Pramesh S Jain
P Ananth,General Manager of SWR,stated that the highest priority has been given to safety in train operations,along with extraordinary growth in infrastructure development and connectivity.
• Safety & Infrastructure:SWR records zero consequential train accidents,commissioning 83 km of new track.
• Faster & Better Train Services:22 Trains Introduced,42 Regularized & 125 Speeded Up, Saving 3,335 Minutes.
• Record Revenue & Passenger Amenities:SWR achieves record freight loading of 31.3 million tonnes and Rs.5,531 crore gross revenue.
• Green & Sustainable Railways:Solar capacity reaches 8.4 MWp,191 of 212 train pairs are converted to electric traction.
In his address to the employees,the General Manager appreciated the dedicated efforts of the entire SWR family and stated that the Zone has made significant progress in safety,infrastructure development,train operations,passenger services,revenue generation,staff welfare and sustainability during January–July 2026.
Emphasizing that safety remains the foremost priority, he commended the staff for maintaining high safety standards and achieving zero consequential train accidents during the period.
He highlighted the commissioning of Standard Kavach over 98 Route Kilometres on the Tumakuru–Arsikere section and 122 Route Kilometres on the Whitefield–Jolarpettai section.
Further strengthening safety, SWR undertook 157 km of Complete Track Renewal and 132 km of safety fencing.
Speaking on infrastructure development, the General Manager said that SWR commissioned 83 km of new track,comprising 41 km of new lines and 42 km of doubling works,thereby enhancing connectivity and line capacity.
Yard remodelling at KSR Bengaluru,Whitefield and Channasandra facilitated additional lines and improved operational efficiency.
He also highlighted the Railway Board’s sanction of the 65-km Hospete–Ballari quadrupling project at an estimated cost of Rs.2,372 crore.
Under Mission 25 Tonne,a total of 198 km on the Torangallu–Ballari and Vyasa Colony–Sasalu sections was upgraded to handle higher axle loads and improve freight movement.
The General Manager appreciated the efforts of operating,engineering and other frontline staff in improving punctuality and operational efficiency.
Speed was enhanced from 110 kmph to 130 kmph over 293 track km on the Yelahanka–Dharmavaram section, while another 344 track km witnessed speed enhancement from 90 kmph to 110 kmph.
These measures contributed to an 88.16% punctuality performance for Mail/Express trains,placing SWR 5th at the All-India level up to July 2026.
Highlighting the expansion of passenger services, he said that 22 trains were introduced,4 extended and 42 regularised,while 125 trains were speeded up,resulting in cumulative time savings of 3,335 minutes.
To meet passenger demand, 234 special trains involving 4,174 trips were operated.Coaching capacity was also augmented through various measures, while 19 ICF rakes covering 15 trains were converted to LHB, improving passenger comfort and safety.
On the financial front,the General Manager congratulated the commercial and operating teams for achieving the highest-ever originating freight loading of 31.3 million tonnes,registering 5.8% growth over the corresponding period of the previous year.
SWR recorded Rs.5,531 crore in gross revenue, while enhanced ticket-checking efforts resulted in the detection of 4.7 lakh cases and recovery of Rs.43 crore.
Appreciating the Railway Protection Force, he acknowledged its continued commitment to passenger safety and railway security.
Up to July 2026,RPF seized narcotic substances worth over ₹3 crore,recovered and returned lost belongings valued at ₹2.41 crore,and rescued 340 children and 23 vulnerable adults.
The General Manager also highlighted the significant improvement in passenger amenities,with 73 lifts and 64 escalators commissioned up to July 2026.
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme,9 stations have been completed.In addition,14 ROBs,23 RUBs,7 FOBs,2 subways and 8 high-level platforms, along with 57 ATVMs,were commissioned.
Emphasizing SWR’s commitment to a greener and more sustainable railway, he noted that an additional 789 kWp of solar capacity was commissioned,taking the total installed capacity to 8.4 MWp.
Solar installations generated savings of approximately ₹2.6 crore up to May 2026.With 154 trains equipped with Head-on-Generation (HOG) systems,SWR saved 12,650 kilolitres of HSD valued at approximately ₹94.3 crore during January–June 2026. Further,191 of 212 train pairs have been converted to electric traction.
The General Manager also appreciated SWR employees for their achievements in sports,operations and asset management,including winning medals at national and international events and earning recognition for excellence in various fields.
Concluding his address,the General Manager said that these achievements are a reflection of the collective dedication,discipline and teamwork of every member of the SWR family.
He called upon all employees to continue working with the same commitment and spirit of teamwork to further enhance safety,punctuality,passenger satisfaction, efficiency and overall performance,reaffirming SWR’s vital role in nation-building and providing safe,reliable and passenger-centric railway services.
Smt.Bela Meena,DRM Hubballi and Principal Heads of Departments of South Western Railway,senior officers from Headquarters and Hubballi Division, and staff were present on the occasion.
