COIMBATORE: The Salem Division of the Southern Railways has made remarkable growth in passenger and freight earnings, as well as improved punctuality and expansion of services.
“Passenger earnings touched Rs 612.58 crore, marking a 5.6 per cent increase as compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. Also, freight earnings stood at Rs 244.26 crore, registering a growth of Rs 10.03 per cent, reflecting increased loading and operational efficiency. Freight loading has exceeded targets, reaching a total of 2.577 million tonnes,” said Panna Lal, Divisional Railway Manager, Salem Division, after unfurling the national flag.
Special train operations contributed substantially to revenue as 304 special trips were operated to various destinations, generating Rs 41.74 crore.
In the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) section, 581 special trips earned Rs 5.06 crore, underscoring continued tourist demand. The zone achieved a record punctuality of 94.4 per cent in 2025, from 93.3 per cent recorded in the previous year.
A high-speed trial run was successfully conducted on the Jolarpet-Coimbatore section as part of efforts to increase the sectional speed of trains to 130 kmph. Sustained drives against ticket touts resulted in the arrest of 67 touts and the seizure of e-tickets worth Rs 13.7 lakh.
Under Operation Narcos, significant drug seizures were made, including 929.7 kg of ganja valued at Rs 4.65 crore. After hoisting the national flag, the DRM inspected the RPF parade.