DRM CONDUCTS SURPRISE INSPECTION OF KOTTAVALASA AND SHRUNGAVARAPU KOTA STATIONS To assess the progress of ongoing developmental initiatives, including works under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, infrastructure upgrades, and passenger amenities, the Divisional Railway Manager of Waltair Division, Shri Lalit Bohra, carried out a surprise inspection of Kottavalasa and Shrungavarapu Kota railway stations and the adjoining section. During the inspection, the DRM was accompanied by Senior Divisional Engineer (Coordination) Shri A.K. Moharana, Senior Divisional Engineer (South) Shri B. Sairaj, and officials from various departments. At Kottavalasa, Shri Lalit Bohra inspected the Railway Colony, where he inaugurated a newly developed Shuttle Badminton Court in the colony park for the recreation of residents. He interacted with colony residents to understand their grievances and requirements, if any, and appreciated both the residents and the engineering team for the excellent upkeep and maintenance of the colony. The DRM also inaugurated a newly constructed Rest Room for women employees of the Civil Engineering Department at Kottavalasa railway station. He interacted with the women staff, enquired about their working conditions and requirements, and the employees expressed their satisfaction and happiness over the commissioning of the facility. A Safety Seminar was also attended by the DRM at Kottavalasa station, focusing on welding techniques, safety precautions, and strict adherence to safety protocols during welding operations. The seminar was attended by Civil Engineers, Permanent Way Inspectors (PWIs), Gangmen, and Gangwomen. Subsequently, Shri Lalit Bohra reviewed the progress of ongoing Amrit Bharat Station works and inspected station yards at both Kottavalasa and Shrungavarapu Kota. He observed track safety inspections using the Ultra Sonic Flaw Detector (USFD) and interacted with officials to assess their technical knowledge and safety practices. Further, the DRM inspected the functioning of the Rail Borne Maintenance Vehicle (RBMV) at Shrungavarapu Kota, which is used for rapid on-track maintenance of infrastructure including track, bridge, and signalling works. Equipped with a hydraulically operated crane and a working platform for bridge and overhead equipment inspection, the RBMV enhances maintenance efficiency. Shri Lalit Bohra interacted with the technical staff to gain insights into its operation and effectiveness.

WALTAIR DIVISION CLINCHES NINE BEST EFFICIENCY SHIELDS AT RAILWAY WEEK AWARDS East Coast Railway, Bhubaneswar has announced the recipients of the Visisht Rail Seva Puraskar–2025 under 20 categories, to be presented during the 70th Railway Week Award Function scheduled on 4th February 2026. Waltair Division has delivered an exceptional performance by securing nine Best Efficiency Shields, underscoring its excellence across multiple operational and service areas. Adding to this achievement, 18 employees from various departments of Waltair Division have been selected for the prestigious Visisht Rail Seva Puraskar–2025 in recognition of their outstanding service and exemplary contributions. The Divisional Railway Manager, Waltair, Shri Lalit Bohra, will receive the Best Efficiency Shields on behalf of the Division, along with the respective branch officers, at the award ceremony. Best Efficiency Shields won by Waltair Division: Best Maintained Running Room – Rayagada/Waltair Civil Engineering Shield Personnel Shield Sales Management Shield Security Shield Stores Depot of Electric Loco Shed, Waltair Track Machine Shield Jointly Awarded Best Efficiency Shields: Rail Madad Signal & Telecom The Overall Efficiency Shield will be announced at the venue during the award function. Shri Lalit Bohra congratulated all the shield-winning departments for their outstanding performance and dedicated efforts.

SHRI DIVAKAR JAYANT, INAS, ASSUMES CHARGE AS DIRECTOR GENERAL OF NAVAL ARMAMENT Shri Divakar Jayant, INAS, has assumed charge as the Director General of Naval Armament (DGONA) at Naval Headquarters, Ministry of Defence, on 02 February 2026. He succeeds Shri P. Upadhyay, who superannuated on 31 January 2026. A 1991-batch officer of the Indian Naval Armament Service, Shri Divakar Jayant joined the Naval Armament Organisation of the Indian Navy on 28 December 1992. Over a distinguished career spanning more than 33 years, he has held several key leadership appointments, including Chief General Manager and General Manager/Principal Director at Naval Armament Depots in Mumbai, Visakhapatnam and Alwaye, as well as positions at Naval Headquarters and the Ministry of Defence. An Electrical Engineering graduate from IIT Delhi, Shri Divakar Jayant specialises in the life-cycle management of torpedoes and has extensive experience in planning and execution of explosive infrastructure projects. He also possesses wide-ranging expertise in human resource management and administration. The officer has further enhanced his professional credentials by completing the prestigious Advanced Professional Programme in Public Administration (APPPA) during 2017–18.

RAKSHA MANTRI GRANTS MINIRATNA CATEGORY-I STATUS TO YANTRA INDIA LIMITED Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has approved the conferment of Miniratna Category-I status on Yantra India Limited (YIL). Commending the Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) for its rapid transformation from a government entity into a profitable corporate organisation within a span of nearly four years, the Raksha Mantri expressed satisfaction over YIL’s efforts to enhance turnover, boost indigenisation, and achieve key performance benchmarks required for Miniratna status. Since its inception, YIL has recorded remarkable growth, with sales increasing from ₹956.32 crore in 2021–22 (H2) to ₹3,108.79 crore in FY 2024–25. The company has also made significant strides in exports, growing from nil in 2021–22 (H2) to ₹321.77 crore in FY 2024–25. YIL’s major product portfolio includes carbon fibre composites, assemblies for medium and large calibre ammunition, armoured vehicles, artillery guns, main battle tanks (MBTs), glass composites, aluminium alloys, and other defence-related products. The Miniratna Category-I status authorises YIL’s Board to undertake capital expenditure of up to ₹500 crore for new projects, modernisation, and procurement of equipment without prior government approval. This enhanced financial autonomy is expected to further accelerate the company’s growth and strengthen its role in defence production and exports. The Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) was corporatised into seven new DPSUs on October 1, 2021, to improve efficiency, functional autonomy, and innovation in defence manufacturing. YIL is one of these newly formed Schedule ‘A’ DPSUs operating under the Department of Defence Production. In May 2025, Miniratna Category-I status was also granted to Munitions India Limited, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, and India Optel Limited. This decision reflects the Government’s continued commitment to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, with emphasis on strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing, reducing import dependence, encouraging domestic industry participation, and positioning India as a global hub for defence production.