South Central Railway’s golden jubilee offers an opportunity to consider the history of the Railways in India. Although the British developed the Railways as a means to meet their political, commercial and security considerations, the network gave mobility to the Independence struggle.
Mahatma Gandhi travelled the country to lend a direction to national aspirations. It is fortunate that South Central Railway (SCR) shares an everlasting bond with him by virtue of also being born on October 2, albeit in 1966.
Early History
On April 16, 1853, the first passenger train carrying 400 guests between Bori Bunder (Mumbai) and Tannah (Thane) was run, formally heralding the dawn of railways in India. The origin of SCR dates back to October 1, 1864, when the first railway line was commissioned between Renigunta and Reddipalli.
Nizam’s State Railway
When the British proposed a Railway line between Bombay and Madras, they realised it had to pass through State of Hyderabad, ruled by the Nizam. They were inclined to link to Hyderabad as it had strategic value. In 1873, the Nizam’s State Railway was formed. The Nizam’s government invested 5 lakh pounds. Construction began between Wadi and Hyderabad at a cost of `2 crores. The route was opened to traffic on October 8, 1874, with Chittapur being the first station. On April 1, 1930 the Nizam’s government took over administration.
Indian Railways
After Independence, the Nizam’s State Railway merged with Indian Railways. Then Railway Minister N Gopala Swamy Iyengar is considered the architect of the regrouping of Indian Railways which led to the formation of six zones in 1951-52.
South Central Railway
SCR started with four divisions -- Vijayawada and Hubli from Southern Railway and Secunderabad and Sholapur from Central Railway. Today, headquartered in Secunderabad, it serves Telangana, a major part of Andhra Pradesh, parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu with a route kilometre length of 6028 kms and 704 stations.
Our Network Is Our Muscle
The SCR’s network has increased by 708 route kms of new rail track, 858 route kms of doubling and tripling as well as 3,444 route kms of gauge conversion from meter to broad gauge. The current year’s plan is to commission 194 kms of new railway line. In its first year of operations, 1966-67, it saw 4.7 million tonnes of freight loading. This touched 108 million tonnes in 2015-16. The passenger traffic segment touched 366.75 million in 2015-16. Revenue earnings have risen from `58.25 crore in 1966-67 to `15163.44 crore in 2015-16.
Suburban services
The Multi Modal Transport System (MMTS) services began in 2003 and covers 47 kms. It is patronised by 1.50 lakh passengers daily. Phase-II, nearing completion, will add 93 kms to the network.
The Present, shows the way to the future
Every aspect of rail infrastructure and operations has been given momentum to meet present as well as future needs. In civil engineering, SCR’s accomplishments, such as the bow string-shaped third Godavari bridge, have earned worldwide recognition. In electrical engineering, 2479 route kms stand electrified. Work is underway to electrify another 1000 route kms. Energy conservation is a key focus area.
As Easy As it gets
The system of card tickets has given way to a Computerised Passenger Reservation System. Around 60-70 per cent of reserved tickets are booked online. In un-reserved ticketing, a sea of change has come with the commissioning of Automatic Ticket Vending Machine (ATVMs), Coin-Operated Ticket Vending Machines (Co-TVMs), Station Ticket Booking Sewaks (STBS), etc. SCR has also introduced GPRS-based Hand Held Mobile Ticket Terminals.
Customer Is King
Station seating options are more varied, including air-conditioned waiting halls. Total lighting is being accomplished with LED lighting. High standards of cleanliness have been met. All major railway stations are Divyang-enabled. SCR has its own SMS-based Public Grievance option at 81212 81212.
In tune with the modern technology HYLITES-Hyderabad Live Train Enquiry System, TADAAST-Train Arrival Departure and Amenities at Stations and RISSTA-Railway Interactive Security Solutions for Travellers Assistance are some SCR’s successful mobile apps. SCR disseminates information on social media as well.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Vision 2020 will free Indian Railways from capacity constraints. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has set a target to give the people a rail system they can be proud of. This is bound to infuse fresh energy to the direction of Indian Railways. SCR is committed to being a vibrant partner on this journey.