Union Minister of Railways, Electronics and Communications & IT visits Chennai
Convocation at the SRM Institute
In the morning, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw graced the 19th Convocation of SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattangulathur as Chief Guest and delivered the convocation address in the presence of Shri T.R. Paarivendhar, Hon’ble Member of Parliament and Founder Chancellor, SRM Institute of Science and Technology. The Chief Guest and the dignitaries conferred degrees/diplomas upon graduating students from various disciplines such as Engineering & Technology, Medicine & Health Sciences, Management, Science and Humanities and Agricultural Sciences were conferred with degrees/diplomas by the Chief Guest and other dignitaries.
Inspection of Steam Heritage special tourist train at Dr MGR Chennai Central
In the afternoon, the Hon'ble Union Minister visited Dr MGR Chennai Central accompanied by Shri R.N. Singh, General Manager, Principal Heads of Departments of Southern Railway, Shri Ganesh, DRM, Chennai and officials. The Minister inspected the Tourist Special ‘T’ Train that resembles the appearance of vintage Steam heritage special. The Minister lauded the efforts of Perambur Carriage & Wagon Works and Avadi EMU Car Shed and Trichy Goldenrock Workshop for the exceptional steam loco design and tourist-friendly features incorporated in the Heritage special coaches. The Minister stated that the Tourist Train has been rolled out on an experimental basis and will be inducted into service in the next few months. On successful operations, many such tourist special trains will be rolled out, the Minister commented.
A joint effort by EMU Car Shed, AVADI and Carriage works, Perambur, the work of modification and retro fitment of steam heritage special MEMU train was successfully carried out. The ‘T’ Train comprises two locos of MEMU Driving Motor Car modified to resemble steam locos and attached to both ends of the train replicating the look and feel arrangement of first indigenously built steam loco No. F734. The four self-generating AC Vistadome type coaches are attached in the middle of the rake formation with three chair cars and a fourth designated as restaurant car. These four coaches were converted duly incorporating modern features along with aesthetically designed interiors and fittings to have a pleasant and comfortable travel experience. Some of the modern and aesthetic features of the Tourist Special are ergonomic seating, window arrangement similar to Vistadome coaches, modular toilets, interior paneling, Public Address and Passenger Information system, among others. The ‘T’ special train is set to redefine travel experience captivating both heritage enthusiasts and avid travelers with its unique features.
(Details of the Tourist Special train are appended as Annexure-A.)
Later, the Minister interacted with media persons at Dr MGR Chennai Central. Indicating the budgetary outlay for Railways in Tamil Nadu, the Minister mentioned that the average budget outlay for the state during 2014-2023 is Rs.870 Crores and the outlay has increased to Rs.6080 Crores during 2023-24. The Minister remarked that many infrastructural projects are progressing at a steady pace in Tamil Nadu.
At Dr MGR Chennai Central, the Minister also met the representatives of recognized Trade Unions and Associations of Southern Railway besides interacting with the passengers.
Review Meeting at Southern Railway Headquarters
Followed by the inspection at Dr MGR Chennai Central, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Union Minister of Railways, Electronics and Communications & Information Technology held a review meeting at Southern Railway Headquarters. Shri R.N. Singh, General Manager, Southern Railway gave a presentation on the performance highlights of Southern Railway. The Minister commended the performance of the Zone on various facets of working and advised corrective action wherever required. The Minister reviewed and discussed matters concerning Safety, progress of infrastructural and station redevelopment projects, Speed enhancement works, timetabling of trains, maintenance of railway assets and enhancement of freight loading with General Manager and Principal Heads of Departments of Southern Railway.
After the review meeting, the Hon’ble Minister departed to the Integral Coach Factory for an inspection and review meeting.
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