SCR will remove all UMLCs by Sept-end: General Manager

Tirupati: By this September end, there will be no unmanned level crossings (UMLCs) in South Central Railway (SCR) zone, assured General Manager Vinod Kumar Yadav.

In 2017, there were 268 unmanned level crossings and by April 1, 2018, they were brought down to 132. In April and May, another 60 such level crossings have been removed leaving only 72 now in the entire SCR area. In view of the rainy season, a target was fixed to remove all these 72 by September end, he said.

Speaking to The Hans India in Tirupati before embarking on a window train inspection from Tirupati to Guntakal on Tuesday, he said a lot of work was being carried out to eliminate all unmanned level crossings as a safety measure.

Other safety measures include track renewal work which the SCR has taken up on a massive scale and already completed 300 km. By the end of 2018, another 400 km track which was due for renewal will be completed. At railway yard, safety audit has been going on and defects will be eliminated.

The General Manager said that there has been an improvement in the maintenance of rail coaches and there will always be scope for betterment. Rat menace was more in Tirupati station and the railway authorities have been taking steps to prevent it.

To provide hygienic food at a cheaper rate, the IRCTC has been taking at least four steps which include total steam cleaning of entire pantry car after every trip. It has been establishing base kitchens with highest standards at all main centres.

The IRCTC has also introduced an App through which if anybody wants food from outside and not from railways, they can get it. By entering their choice of food in the App they can order it from chain restaurants and it will be served to them at the next big station. For example, if a passenger wants Dominos Pizza he can get it at his seat on board in any train. And, IRCTC was also taking steps to provide food in environmental friendly
plates, glasses etc., Vinod Kumar Yadav said.

On Nadikudi-Srikalahasti line, he said, there was a land dispute in 2.3 km area out of 55 km stretch between Nadikudi and Savalyapuram and the
work would resume after court clearance. “The State government has been cooperating well in this connection,” the General Manager said.

Referring to the redevelopment of Tirupati railway station, Yadav said the tender document was ready and it may be floated anytime. Since it was a huge tender, the authorities concerned have been taking all precautions before releasing it and lot of planning was required for such a big work.

“Last month we had a meeting with Chief Secretary and other stakeholders and next week there will be another meeting with the CS. We have asked the north side road which belongs to the State government to develop it as a pedestrian plaza. It has to be finalised,” he explained.

During the meeting with the Chief Secretary next week, the General Manager will also discuss the matters relating to the two Rail Under Bridges (RUBs) - one at Rayalacheruvu gate and the other one opposite RTC central bus station.

“For these, we need the concurrence of the State government and all steps have been taken. Just we need consent from State government and they sought some information from local authorities. It will be discussed,” he stated.

There will be a meeting with the Principal Secretary of R&B at Guntakal in which these issues will be taken up. Tiruchanur station work will be completed by March 2019 for which tender was awarded, the GM said.

The master plan for Tirupati West station was ready and the TTD also agreed in principle to provide their land for expansion of West station, but it also takes a long time. On the proposal to equip all compartments with CC cameras, he said that it was not rolled out but it involves a lot of planning and even the blue print was not ready.