The Salem Division of the Southern Railways is upbeat with its performance during the Fiscal Year 2015–2016, as it had earned enough despite the sluggish economy in the country.

Addressing at the 61st Railway Week Celebrations on Monday in the Salem Division of Southern Railway, at the Divisional Office premises, Shubhranshu, the Divisional Railway Manager of Salem Division, said that the punctuality of trains has also improved 95 percent against 93.5 percent previously.

“While passenger earnings have gone up to 4 percent, touching Rs.477 crores, eclipsing last year’s Rs. 459 crores, ticket checking earnings have seen a rise of 10.50 percent, at Rs.4.96 crores; coaching earnings by 11.04 percent standing at Rs.40.3 crores; publicity earnings have increased by 24 percent, catering earnings have increased by 34 percent; and parking fee earnings have also increased by 21 percent standing at Rs.3.68,” he informed.

He also said that due to tight control on expenditures, Salem Division was able to bring down the expenses by 10 percent, from Rs.990 crores to Rs.890 crores.

Talking about the steps taken by the Southern Railways regarding passenger-friendly initiatives, the DRM informed that waiting halls, retiring rooms, gardens, 15 Smart Card Operated Ticket Vending Machines, and 6 Cash-cum-Coin Operated Ticket Vending Machines have been installed in various stations.

“In the near future, 40 drinking water vending plants will be installed in six major stations,” he said.