GM SCOR REVIEWS PASSENGER AMENITIES AND SARIKA AI SYSTEM AT VISAKHAPATNAM RAILWAY STATION Shri Sandeep Mathur, General Manager, South Coast Railway (SCoR), inspected various passenger amenities and facilities at Visakhapatnam Railway Station today, accompanied by Shri Lalit Bohra, Divisional Railway Manager, Visakhapatnam, and senior railway officials. During the inspection, the General Manager reviewed the availability and functioning of passenger facilities and held discussions with officials on measures to further enhance passenger convenience and improve the overall station experience. A key highlight of the inspection was the demonstration of Sarika AI, an Artificial Intelligence-based passenger enquiry and assistance system developed jointly by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), Ninja Media AI Ad Tech Pvt. Ltd., and the Commercial Department of Visakhapatnam Division. The prototype is being developed and demonstrated under a pilot project. Sarika AI enables passengers to interact through natural voice-based communication and access information on train arrivals and departures, platform numbers, train running status, delays, coach positions and other railway-related services. It also provides information on station facilities, including ticket and reservation counters, waiting halls, cloak rooms, lifts, escalators, foot overbridges, medical assistance, drinking water, washrooms, food courts, parking and wheelchair assistance. Designed to support nine languages, the system aims to make railway information more accessible to passengers from diverse linguistic backgrounds. It is available in both humanoid and kiosk formats, allowing deployment at suitable locations across the station. During the inspection, Shri Sandeep Mathur suggested several user-friendly modifications to make passenger interaction with the system more convenient and effective. The suggested improvements will be examined for further incorporation. Sarika AI is currently being implemented in Phase-I, which focuses on prototype development and demonstration. Phase-II envisages integration of the system with the RailOne App, further expanding its potential as a digital passenger assistance platform.

GM SCOR REVIEWS SAFETY PREPAREDNESS, EMPHASISES MAINTENANCE, MONSOON READINESS AND LEVEL CROSSING SAFETY General Manager, South Coast Railway (SCoR), Shri Sandeep Mathur, chaired a comprehensive Safety Review Meeting with Principal Heads of Departments and Divisional Railway Managers of all four divisions. The meeting focused on strengthening railway safety through robust maintenance practices, monsoon preparedness and effective management of Level Crossing (LC) gates. The review adopted a preventive and asset-management approach, with emphasis on identifying potential risks and taking timely corrective action before they lead to incidents. Shri Mathur directed all departments and divisions to maintain constant vigilance and ensure that prescribed safety protocols are effectively implemented at the field level. Officials were instructed to closely monitor the condition of tracks, signalling and telecommunication systems, electrical installations, bridges, yards, points and crossings, drainage systems and other critical railway assets. Regular inspections, systematic preventive maintenance and prompt rectification of deficiencies were stressed. Field personnel were also advised to identify early signs of deterioration and ensure that all maintenance activities are carried out strictly in accordance with prescribed standards and schedules. Reviewing preparedness for the ongoing monsoon season, the General Manager directed officials to maintain close surveillance of vulnerable locations, waterlogging-prone areas, drainage systems, cuttings, bridges, yards and other critical assets. He stressed the need for adequate drainage and efficient water-evacuation arrangements to prevent water accumulation around tracks, Road Under Bridges (RUBs) and railway installations. The meeting concluded with directions to all concerned departments and divisions to strengthen safety monitoring, enhance maintenance standards and ensure strict implementation of preventive measures, particularly during the monsoon season. Effective management and safety at Level Crossing gates were also emphasised as an important component of the overall safety strategy.

GULLIPADU STATION GETS MAJOR SIGNALLING AND TRACK INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADE South Coast Railway has commissioned a state-of-the-art signalling system and an additional loop line at Gullipadu (GLU) station on the Vijayawada–Duvvada section, replacing the station’s decades-old manual signalling panel. The infrastructure upgrade is aimed at increasing line capacity, improving train movement and operational efficiency, and enhancing safety on the busy Vijayawada–Duvvada corridor. As part of the project, a 955-metre additional loop line has been laid, while the existing loop line has been extended by 340 metres, taking its total length to 1,026 metres. The work also included the installation of three new track switches, shifting of two existing switches and removal of one switch located on a curve. The additional track and crossings have been electrified, providing greater operational flexibility at the station. The enhanced loop line capacity will facilitate smoother reception, dispatch and regulation of trains, particularly during periods of heavy traffic. The improvements are also expected to reduce operational constraints and contribute to better train punctuality. A major highlight of the project is the commissioning of the Medha MEI634 Electronic Interlocking System at Gullipadu station. The modern computer-based system replaces the ageing mechanical signalling panel and marks the first installation of the Medha MEI634 system on South Coast Railway. The new electronic interlocking system is more compact, reliable and easier to maintain, thereby strengthening the overall signalling infrastructure and operational safety of the station. As part of the signalling modernisation, an automatic electrically operated lifting barrier has also been installed at the level crossing, replacing the earlier manually operated lock boom. An Emergency Sliding Boom has additionally been provided to enable faster and safer movement of road traffic at the crossing. The project represents a significant infrastructure enhancement on the critical Samalkot–Duvvada section, with the upgraded facilities expected to support smoother train operations and improve passenger convenience. The General Manager, South Coast Railway, appreciated the coordinated efforts of the Engineering, Signalling, Electrical/Traction Distribution and Operations branches for successfully completing and commissioning the complex project within the stipulated timeframe while ensuring minimal disruption to passenger services.

SOUTH COAST RAILWAY FOCUSES ON MONSOON SAFETY General Manager of South Coast Railway (SCoR), Shri Sandeep Mathur, on Thursday chaired a high-level Safety Meeting with Principal Heads of Departments (PHODs) and Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs) of all four divisions to review the Zone's safety preparedness, with a special focus on monsoon safety measures at railway stations and ongoing work sites. During the review, the General Manager directed officials to strictly implement all monsoon safety protocols across stations, yards and railway work locations. He emphasized continuous monitoring of vulnerable areas, ensuring proper drainage systems, preventing waterlogging and responding promptly to safety concerns arising from heavy rainfall and strong winds. Shri Mathur also instructed officials to ensure that all ongoing construction and maintenance works are effectively barricaded to prevent accidental entry of passengers, railway staff and unauthorized persons into work zones. He stressed that barricades must be sturdy, highly visible and properly maintained, particularly in areas with heavy passenger movement. At railway stations, officials were directed to provide adequate barricading to safely separate passenger areas from construction sites. They were also instructed to ensure proper illumination, clear signage and other essential safety arrangements, with special attention to platforms, circulating areas, station approaches and locations vulnerable to water accumulation or slippery conditions during the monsoon. Reiterating that safety remains the Railways' highest priority, the General Manager called upon all departments to maintain heightened vigilance and ensure there is no compromise on safety standards, particularly during adverse weather conditions.

SOUTH COAST RAILWAY REGISTERS MAJOR MILESTONES IN FIRST TWO MONTHS South Coast Railway (SCoR) has made an impressive start within just two months of commencing operations on June 1, 2026, recording significant achievements in infrastructure development, safety, passenger services and operational performance. Highlighting the Zone's progress, General Manager Shri Sandeep Mathur said the newly formed railway zone has successfully established a strong administrative and operational foundation despite the challenges of building a new organization from the ground up. The formation of South Coast Railway involved setting up essential infrastructure, deploying manpower, creating financial and budgetary systems, redistributing projects, establishing control mechanisms and implementing operational procedures. The Zone now comprises four divisions covering nearly 3,532 Route Kilometres (RKM) and 6,455 Track Kilometres (TKM), with an expected originating revenue of ₹15,500 crore and annual freight loading exceeding 100 million tonnes. It also manages seven loco sheds, three workshops, seven coaching depots, four freight depots and serves four major ports. Safety has remained the Zone's top priority since its inception. Senior officials conducted an extensive safety review across all four divisions, inspecting nearly 1,700 Route Kilometres (around 3,000 Track Kilometres) over the past two months to assess infrastructure, monitor ongoing works and strengthen safety standards. South Coast Railway is currently executing five new railway line projects and 24 multi-tracking works involving investments of approximately ₹54,479 crore, while additional projects worth nearly ₹70,865 crore are in the pipeline. Construction of over 300 Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Road Under Bridges (RUBs) is also progressing to improve safety and connectivity. The Zone has also reviewed railway arrangements for the upcoming Godavari Pushkarams at Rajahmundry to ensure smooth passenger movement during the major religious event. Within two months of its formation, South Coast Railway secured approval for several key infrastructure projects, including the ₹300-crore Visakhapatnam Yard Remodeling Project featuring six additional lines, six new platforms (Platforms 8 to 14), electronic interlocking and platform widening. Other major approvals include the ₹1,205-crore Guntakal–Ballari Quadrupling Project and ₹20 crore for crowd management facilities at Tirupati. Several important infrastructure works have also been completed, including yard remodelling between Narsapur–Vijayawada and Garudaballi–Visakhapatnam, expansion of Automatic Block Signalling in the Nellore–Telamanchi section and installation of the Kavach safety system on nearly 100 locomotives. The first 100-km Kavach-enabled section is expected to be commissioned by the end of this year. Passenger amenities have received a significant boost with the inauguration of three redeveloped Amrit Bharat Stations at Rayanapadu, Mangalagiri and Cumbum, while redevelopment works are underway at 70 more stations. Plans are also in place for third and fourth railway lines and major yard remodelling at Simhachalam North and Renigunta to ease congestion in the Visakhapatnam and Tirupati regions. To cater to growing passenger demand, South Coast Railway converted four Train-on-Demand services into regular trains, operated 76 special trains carrying nearly 86,000 passengers, attached 408 additional coaches and upgraded the Simhadri Express and Guntur–Vikarabad Express from ICF to safer and more comfortable LHB coaches. Passenger facilities were further enhanced with the introduction of Sleeping Pods at Vijayawada Railway Station and premium catering services under the "Deccan Chai" brand at Visakhapatnam Railway Station. On the security front, the Railway Protection Force detected 28 NDPS cases and seized narcotic substances worth ₹2.37 crore during the first two months of operations. Extensive cleanliness drives, particularly at Visakhapatnam Railway Station, and enforcement action against 5,152 offenders were also carried out to maintain cleanliness and discipline across the railway network. Despite the challenges of railway reorganisation, South Coast Railway achieved originating passenger revenue of ₹671 crore, handled 29.4 million originating passengers, recorded a three per cent annual growth in passenger traffic and registered total originating earnings of ₹2,493 crore, placing the Zone among the country's top-performing railway zones. Emphasising digital governance and employee welfare, the Zone adopted e-Office from the first day of operations and established its Railway Women's Welfare Organisation, Sports Association, Cultural Association and recognised employee unions. It also observed International Day of Yoga and World Environment Day with plantation drives, reflecting its commitment to employee well-being and environmental sustainability. South Coast Railway reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing safety, accelerating infrastructure development, improving passenger amenities and delivering efficient, customer-focused railway services while contributing to the socio-economic development of Andhra Pradesh and the nation. The review meeting was attended by Chief Public Relations Officer Shri Y. Balaji Kiran, Chief Administrative Officer (Construction) Shri Ankush Gupta, Principal Chief Engineer Shri B.S.K. Rajkumar, Principal Chief Commercial Manager Shri K. Sambasiva Rao, IG and Principal Chief Security Commissioner Shri A.K. Sinha, Chief Passenger Transport Manager Smt. Shifali Kumar, Principal Chief Signal and Telecom Engineer Shri O.V. Suresh Kumar and Principal Finance Advisor Dr. Pudi Hari Prasad.