WALTAIR DIVISION SHOWCASES LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS ACROSS PASSENGER SERVICES, INFRASTRUCTURE, SAFETY AND PUBLIC OUTREACH IN 2025
- Division achieved 5th highest Revenue earning Division
- 5th highest loading Division in Indian Railway
- Several Innovative passenger amenities record in IR
- Several Train timings to be revised with effect from 01.01.2026
- DRM Shri Lalit Bohra review of 2025-year performance.
Waltair Division of East Coast Railway recorded a year of transformative growth and service enhancement in 2025, marking significant strides in passenger convenience, infrastructure development, safety, freight performance, sustainability, and social initiatives. With a future-ready approach and citizen-centric focus, the Division strengthened operational efficiency while expanding connectivity and upgrading facilities across its jurisdiction.
Passenger Convenience and Service Enhancements
To improve comfort and capacity, the Visakhapatnam–Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express was permanently augmented from 16 to 20 coaches from 11 January 2025. Jansadharan specials and festival special trains were operated to meet seasonal travel demand, including services for Maha Kumbh Mela and Rath Yatra–2025. Additional LHB Vistadome and 3AC Economy coaches were introduced on the scenic Araku route, while 23 originating trains were converted to LHB rakes for enhanced safety.
A total of 506 special trains were operated and 1803 trains handled during peak seasons. General coaches were added to support unreserved passengers, and counselling sessions were conducted for OBHS staff to improve onboard services. The frequency of the Udhna–Brahmapur–Udhna Amrit Bharat Express was increased to tri-weekly from 19 November 2025.
Awareness, Inclusivity and Passenger Care
Digital ticketing awareness campaigns were conducted to promote UTS Mobile App usage and QR-based payments. Sensitization programmes on Divyangjan care and linen-hygiene initiatives were carried out across stations. Over 2,800 participants joined International Day of Yoga events organized across the Division.
Infrastructure Growth and New Projects
Major rail-infrastructure works progressed rapidly, including doubling on key sections and commissioning of over 360 km of double line by March 2025. Foundation stones and inaugurations worth over ₹1,200 crore were carried out, including fourth lines, rail flyovers, station upgrades, FOBs, platform works and passenger-amenity projects.
Operational & Performance Milestones
Waltair Division achieved historic freight records, including:
50 MT in just 230 days – fastest in Division history
Crossing 100 MT in 256 days – ahead of previous benchmarks
Ranking 5th in Indian Railways for earnings and loading, with ₹9030 crore revenue and 73.5 MT loading till November 2025
Passenger traffic rose to 30.58 million, registering 10% growth.
The Division received five Zonal-level efficiency shields, a Platinum-rated Green Railway Station Certification for Visakhapatnam, and national recognition for ELS/Visakhapatnam in the BLW Electric Loco “Beauty Contest.”
Safety, Technology and Security
Advanced MRI-based OHE monitoring systems were deployed for real-time safety diagnostics, while the first KAVACH-equipped WAG9HC locomotive was commissioned in the Division. Special safety audits, awards for meritorious staff actions, and continuous training reinforced operational safety. RPF strengthened surveillance with new motorcycles, anti-trafficking rescues, flag marches and crowd-management initiatives during pilgrim and festival rush.
Passenger Delight & Innovation
- Visakhapatnam station earned 4-Star Eat Right Station certification. New initiatives included:
- Launch of “Your Platform” onboard lifestyle magazine under NFR model
- Sleeping Pods at Visakhapatnam station
- Pre-paid auto services at select stations
- Round Trip Package Scheme (20% fare discount)
- OSOP stalls promoting tribal coffee brands
- Emergency Medical Room at Vizianagaram
- 220 digital LED passenger-information displays
Amrit Bharat Station Upgrades & Amenities
Fifteen stations were taken up under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with major works underway including lifts, FOBs, shelters, platforms and subways. Paralakhemundi station works were completed. Duvvada, Simhachalam, Jagdalpur, Jeypore stations will be completed soon.
Sports, Welfare & Community Engagement
The Division hosted national-level sports events, strengthened employee sports infrastructure, and promoted fitness through cycling and inter-department tournaments. ECoRWWO initiatives included health outreach, women-empowerment programmes, POSH awareness, hospital equipment support, and student felicitation.
Heritage, Environment & National Observances
Commemorative programmes were held for Paralakhemundi Light Railway anniversary, 100 years of electrification, Operation Sindoor illumination drive, ILCAD safety awareness, Swachhta campaigns, National Energy Conservation Week, Hindi Fortnight, and Amrit Samvaad citizen-feedback outreach.
Staff Welfare, Medical Upgrades & Institutional Engagements
Major employee-centric initiatives included a new outsourced running-room at Vizianagaram, biometric sign-on for ticket checking staff, Jeevan Pramaan pensioner camps, and extensive anti-harassment awareness programmes. The Divisional Railway Hospital introduced mechanized cleaning, dialysis facilities, sterilization and physiotherapy upgrades. DRUCC, freight-customer and MP review meetings strengthened stakeholder collaboration.
DRM Shri Lalit Bohra also mentioned that several trains timings over the Division are going to be changed with effect from 1st January-2026 and appealed the public to check the timings in official websites or call 139 prior to the commencement of the journey. Details will be shared on website today.
