The Hindu Business Line : South Western Rly records 13.8% growth in freight

"SWR is spending Rs 13 crore on various passenger amenities in all three divisions — Hubli, Bangalore and Mysore — as against Rs 7 crore spent last year."

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Mangalore Feb. 12 The South Western Railway (SWR) loaded 35.61 million tonnes of freight during the first 10 months of the current financial year, which is 13.8 per cent more than the corresponding period of the previous year, according to Mr Girish Bhatnagar, General Manager (in-charge), SWR.

There is also a growth of 14.52 per cent in the passenger traffic over the same period of the previous year.

During the first 10 months of the fiscal, the gross earnings of SWR increased to Rs 2,801.60 crore (Rs 2,177.80 crore).

Stating that minimum essential amenities have been provided at all stations of SWR, Mr Bhatnagar said SWR is spending Rs 13 crore on various passenger amenities in all three divisions — Hubli, Bangalore and Mysore — as against Rs 7 crore spent last year.

He also briefed about the introduction of special trains and attachment of additional coaches to various trains to clear extra rush during summer, winter and other occasions during the year.

HUBLI'S GROWTH

Mr Rakesh Vatash, Divisional Railway Manager, Hubli, said that his division lifted originating loading of 31.13 million tonnes (27.70 million tonnes) during the first 10 months of the fiscal.

The total earnings of the division stood at Rs 1,965.72 crore (Rs 1,816.18 crore).

In Hubli division, it has planned for upgradation of `A' class stations such as Hubli, Belgaum, Hospet, Bellary, and Vasco-da-Gama, and `B' class stations such as Gadag, Londa, Dharwad, Bijapur, Ghataprabha, Toranagallu, and Bagalkot during the current financial year.