Freight, punctuality fuel growth for Guntur railway division

Guntur: The Guntur railway division has registered steady growth in earnings, operational efficiency and passenger services during 2025-26. The division recorded total earnings of Rs 766.57 crore during the year, marking a 7.65% increase over the previous fiscal. Curiously, goods revenue alone accounted for Rs 452.13 crore. The division also achieved its highest-ever loading of 0.6 million tonnes and generated a record Rs 61.6 crore in a single month in March, its best performance since inception.Speaking to the media, divisional railway manager (DRM) Sudeshna Sen said that operational efficiency saw significant improvement, with punctuality of mail and express trains reaching 93.12%, an increase of 4.65% over last year. Notably, the division achieved 100% punctuality on 24 occasions, she claimed. Strategically located between Guntakal in the south and major junctions in the north, the division plays a key role in strengthening overall zonal performance.In freight operations, 1,376 crack special trains were run, while 2,154 rakes were unloaded during the year. Sudeshna explained that infrastructure initiatives included energising cargo terminals linked to thermal power operations and reviving the exclusive cargo rail terminal at New Guntur to facilitate container movement. She said that South Central Railway operated 2,226 special passenger trains through the division to manage the festival rush. Three Amrit Bharat trains have been introduced since Jan, with another service between Charlapalli and Shalimar scheduled from April 7. "Guntur station handled over 66,000 passengers in a single day on Pongal. Platform extensions have been completed at two stations to accommodate 24-coach trains, with similar work planned at Repalle," said Sudeshna.DRM said that track infrastructure also witnessed expansion, with doubling completed over 14.49 km and 33 km of new line added. Electrification of 17.28 track-km was achieved. As part of station modernisation, 16 stations are being upgraded under the Amrit Bharat scheme, with Mangalagiri and Cumbum ready for inauguration. Passenger amenities have been enhanced with divyang-friendly facilities such as ramps, tactile flooring and dedicated services. Lifts have been installed at key stations, while a sleeping pod facility with 64 beds has been introduced at Guntur station. App-based cab services have also been launched at four stations."The Railway Protection Force recovered stolen property worth ₹65 lakh, rescued 134 missing children and prevented trafficking of 38 minors," said DRM. Infrastructure safety was strengthened through track renewal, elimination of level crossings and power line upgrades. She said that green initiatives included commissioning solar plants with a total capacity of 2.365 MW, expected to generate 2.928 million units annually. Highlighting staff welfare, over 500 promotions were granted, and medical camps benefited employees and their families. Sen said the division remains committed to improving performance, safety and passenger experience in the coming years.