REFRESHER TRAINING ON BOILER OPERATIONS HELD AT VISAKHAPATNAM STEEL PLANT A one-day refresher training programme for Boiler Operation Engineers was successfully conducted at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL). The event was organized by the Boiler Department, Visakhapatnam Region, Government of Andhra Pradesh. The programme was inaugurated by Shri K. Veerabhadra Rao, Deputy Chief Inspector of Boilers, Visakhapatnam Region, along with Dr. Salim G. Purushothaman, Director (Operations), RINL. Other dignitaries present included Shri Prasad, Inspector of Boilers, Shri Subhasis Sen Gupta, CGM (Works) In-Charge, and Shri Anindya Ghosh, CGM (Services). Around 100 officers from various power plants across Andhra Pradesh, including RINL, participated in the training. The programme provided a valuable platform for enhancing technical expertise and exchanging best practices in boiler operations. Speakers highlighted the importance of adhering to safety standards and ensuring efficient boiler performance. Participants were encouraged to implement the knowledge gained to improve operational efficiency, minimize risks, and enhance reliability. The sessions covered important topics such as efficient boiler operations, water chemistry management, prevention of boiler explosions, and piping design. Experts shared insights on real-world challenges, safety measures, and recent advancements in the sector. The interactive sessions saw active participation, enabling attendees to deepen their understanding of maintenance practices, safety compliance, and operational efficiency. The programme concluded on a positive note, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and skill development in critical industrial operations.

TRAIN DIVERSIONS AND TEMPORARY COACH AUGMENTATION ANNOUNCED DUE TO VIJAYAWADA YARD WORKS Railway authorities have announced that due to safety-related apron work at Platform No. 04 in Vijayawada yard, several train services will be affected over a 45 day period from April 17 to May 31, 2026. During this time, Train No. 12740 Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam Garib Rath Express and Train No. 12739 Visakhapatnam-Secunderabad Garib Rath Express will operate on a diverted route via Rayanapadu, Vijayawada Bypass Cabin, Vijayawada North Cabin, and Gunadala stations. As a result, stoppage at Vijayawada station will be temporarily suspended for these services. Passengers are advised to take note of these changes and plan their travel accordingly. In addition, to accommodate increased passenger demand, Indian Railways will temporarily add one Sleeper Class coach to the following trains: Train No. 20807 Visakhapatnam–Amritsar Hirakud Express on March 27, 2026 Train No. 20808 Amritsar–Visakhapatnam Hirakud Express on March 29, 2026 Passengers are encouraged to utilize these additional facilities.