HSL SEES LEADERSHIP CHANGE AS CAPT GANTI VENKATESWARLU TAKES CHARGE Cmde Girideep Singh, IN (Retd.), superannuated on 31 January 2026 after serving for six months as Chairman and Managing Director (Additional Charge) of Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL). He also held the position of Director (Strategic Projects) from 05 March 2022, during which he oversaw the Submarine and Ship Repair Business Units. During his tenure, several major refit projects were successfully completed, including the Normal Refit of INS Sidhukirti and SSP. Key strategic programmes such as DSV and FSS were significantly progressed. Notably, during this period, HSL emerged as L1 for the construction of 18 Next Generation Fast Patrol Vessels (NGFPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard, valued at approximately Rs.3,000 crore. Following the superannuation of Cmde Girideep Singh, Capt Ganti Venkateswarlu, IN (Retd.), currently serving as Director (Shipbuilding), has assumed additional charge as Chairman and Managing Director, HSL, with effect from 31 January 2026. Capt Ganti Venkateswarlu assumed charge as Director (Shipbuilding) on 29 November 2024 and has been associated with HSL since May 2018, when he joined as Additional General Manager. An alumnus of the Naval College of Engineering, Lonavla, and the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, he brings over 25 years of distinguished service in the Indian Navy. His career includes service on frontline warships, tenure at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, and an overseas assignment. At HSL, Capt Ganti Venkateswarlu has held key responsibilities across Shipbuilding, Submarine and Ship Repairs, and Business Development, contributing significantly to the organization’s operational and strategic growth.

ROAD SAFETY AWARENESS PROGRAMME HELD IN VISAKHAPATNAM A road safety awareness programme was conducted in Visakhapatnam with the objective of promoting safe driving practices and creating awareness among the public about traffic rules and accident prevention. The programme focused on educating participants about the importance of wearing helmets and seat belts, adhering to speed limits, avoiding mobile phone usage while driving, and strictly following traffic signals. Emphasis was also laid on pedestrian safety and responsible road behaviour. Officials and resource persons addressed the gathering and highlighted that road accidents can be significantly reduced through awareness, discipline, and mutual respect among road users. Interactive sessions were conducted to engage participants and clarify doubts related to traffic regulations and safety measures. The initiative was well received by the public and contributed to strengthening the message of road safety and the need for collective responsibility to ensure safer roads in Visakhapatnam.

SURPRISE INSPECTION OF OBHS AND PANTRY CAR SERVICES CONDUCTED AT VISAKHAPATNAM Shri Kundu Rama Rao, Additional Divisional Railway Manager (Operations), Waltair Division, conducted a surprise inspection at Visakhapatnam (VSKP) Railway Station today to review the quality of passenger amenities and onboard services. During the inspection, Shri Kundu Rama Rao examined the functioning of the On-Board Housekeeping Service (OBHS) staff of Tirumala Express, with special emphasis on the quality and timely supply of linen to passengers. He interacted with the staff on duty and verified compliance with prescribed standards and procedures. The ADRM also inspected the pantry car of Prasanthi Express to assess cleanliness, hygiene, and overall maintenance of the catering unit. He issued instructions to ensure strict adherence to cleanliness norms and to maintain high standards of hygiene for the comfort and safety of passengers. Emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and accountability, Shri Kundu Rama Rao directed concerned officials and service providers to ensure the delivery of consistent, high-quality services to passengers.

DRM WALTAIR COMMENDS RAILWAY EMPLOYEE FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AT NATIONAL BALL BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIP Shri Lalit Bohra, Divisional Railway Manager, Waltair Division, has commended Shri C. H. Vengala Rao, a railway employee of Waltair Division, for his remarkable achievement in securing First Place at the 9th Federation Cup Ball Badminton Championship 2025–26, a prestigious national-level tournament conducted under the aegis of the Ball Badminton Federation of India. The Men’s and Women’s championship was held from 24th to 26th January 2026 at St. John’s Higher Secondary School, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, and was organized by the Tamil Nadu Ball Badminton Association. Representing Indian Railways, Shri C. H. Vengala Rao delivered an impressive performance and brought laurels to the organization at the national level. While congratulating the sportsperson, DRM Shri Lalit Bohra stated that such accomplishments exemplify the sporting spirit, discipline, and dedication of railway employees. He further encouraged employees to actively participate in sports and games, reaffirming that Indian Railways remains committed to nurturing talent and promoting excellence in sports.

WALTAIR DIVISION SUCCESSFULLY HOSTS IDCC 2025 WITH VIBRANT PARTICIPATION The Inter Divisional Cultural Competition (IDCC) 2025 (Dance) was successfully conducted by the Waltair Division of East Coast Railway on 27.01.2026 at Sri Srinivasa Kalyanamandapam, Visakhapatnam. The event was marked by enthusiastic participation and showcased the rich cultural talent of railway employees and their wards. The competition was organized in two categories—Classical Solo Dance and Folk Group Dance. In the Classical Solo Dance category, five teams participated, representing Waltair (WAT), Sambalpur (SBP), Khurda Road (KUR), Bhubaneswar Headquarters (BBS/HQ), and Carriage Repair Workshop, Mancheswar (CRW/MCS). The Folk Group Dance category witnessed participation from four teams belonging to Waltair (WAT), Sambalpur (SBP), Khurda Road (KUR), and CRW/MCS. A total of 55 participants took part in the event, comprising railway employees and their wards. The competition provided a vibrant platform for artistic expression while fostering cultural harmony, creativity, and camaraderie among employees of East Coast Railway.