Bhubaneswar,17/8: On the occasion of the 79th Independence Day, the General Manager of East Coast Railway (ECoR) Sh Parmeshwar Funkwal extended heartfelt greetings to the entire ECoR family. He commended the unwavering dedication and collective efforts of the employees, which have consistently placed the zone among the top performers in Indian Railways year after year.
ECoR has made history by becoming the first railway zone in the country to achieve 100 Million Tonnes (MT) of freight loading in just 134 days in the current financial year 2025–26 — a remarkable improvement over the previous record of 148 days set in 2024–25. This feat, achieved on 12th August 2025, is 14 days ahead of last year and reflects a 10.7% increase over the same period.
In 2024–25, ECoR retained its No.1 position in freight loading for the eighth consecutive year, with 259.25 MT, surpassing the previous year’s 256.22 MT. Passenger traffic climbed to 93.52 million (from 85.57 million), and originating earnings touched ₹29,562.85 crore. The operating ratio of 58.98% is the second-best among all zones.
Key Achievements & Initiatives
• Passenger Services: Operated 840 special trains in 2025; introduced LHB coaches on Puri–Bangiriposi and Bhubaneswar–Junagarh Express; upgraded waiting halls, installed Sleeping Pods and ATVMs, and added Divyang-friendly facilities.
• Infrastructure Development: Major station upgrades at 11 locations; 57 stations under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme progressing rapidly.
• Rath Yatra 2025: Managed 368 special trains, handled a record 4.91 lakh passengers with efficient crowd control and enhanced amenities.
• Safety & Technology: Installed Automatic Fire Detection systems, implemented Kavach, carried out interlocking and auto-signaling works, introduced elephant intrusion detection, and relaxed speed limits on key sections.
• Freight Operations: Commissioned a new ROH depot at Angul for enhanced rake maintenance; speed upgrades planned on Sambalpur–Balangir and Cuttack–Paradeep loop lines.
• Project Milestones: Inaugurated Sonepur–Purunakatak new line; commissioned major doubling sections and the longest tunnel T-4 under the Khurda Road–Balangir project.
• Environment & Energy: Conducted 3,246 cleanliness drives, planted 40,500 saplings, saved ₹1.68 crore through solar power, and introduced HOG-equipped rakes.
• Security: RPF saved 33 lives, rescued 529 minors/elderly, seized contraband worth ₹1.70 crore, and recovered 748 passenger belongings.
• Human Resources: Trained 7,400+ staff, processed 1,127 promotions, made 117 new appointments, and adopted digital HR initiatives.
• Sports & Welfare: ECoR athletes excelled at the national level; ECoRWWO commended for welfare activities.
Reaffirming East Coast Railway’s commitment to excellence, General Manager Sh Parmeshwar Funkwal stated, “The challenges ahead are significant, but with dedication and collective effort, we will continue to set new benchmarks for Indian Railways.”
The Independence Day celebrations featured a prize distribution ceremony for winners of various competitions, a lively cultural program presented by school children, and a captivating dog show organized by the Railway Protection Force, all of which added vibrancy and enthusiasm to the occasion.
