Mysuru: South Western Railway (SWR), Mysuru Division, celebrated the 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm at the Railway Grounds in Yadavagiri yesterday.

SWR Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Mudit Mittal unfurled the National Flag in the presence of Additional Divisional Railway Manager Shammas Hameed, branch officers, railway staff, students and teachers of Lalitha School, Scouts & Guides and representatives of recognised unions and associations.

Addressing the gathering, DRM Mittal highlighted the major achievements of the Division, including 9.74 percent higher freight loading compared to last year, while the speed of goods trains increased by 14 percent.

Emphasising that safety is the highest priority of Indian Railways, DRM Mittal appreciated the efforts of Safety Dept. through ambush checks, voice-log checks, inter-railway safety audits and mock drills. He stressed that safety is a collective responsibility and must become a mindset for every railway employee.

He called upon all officers and staff to follow the principle: “Safety First, Safety First, Safety First — this has to be our motto.” He also emphasised worksite safety and urged all personnel to use proper safety gear, including helmets, safety vests and safety shoes.

Of the target of 15 interlocked level-crossing gates, nine have already been completed. Hassan Railway Station received the Eat Right Station certification for two years, while the Children’s Ward at the Railway Hospital was renovated. During the World Environment Day campaign, awareness was created on climate change, waste management and reduction in plastic use.

Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), Bantwal Railway Station has been transformed with modern passenger amenities and infrastructure. The station was recently inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi.

Mysuru Division has 15 stations under ABSS, with works progressing at the remaining stations. Major engineering works include two ROBs in the Hassan-Mangaluru section and one RUB in the Chikjajur-Karajgi section, eliminating 3 level-crossing gates. Five high-level platforms and 4 Gang Tool-cum-Rest Houses have also been constructed, besides planting 7,410 trees.

The Electrical & Traction teams brought 14 trains under AC traction and developed the RailSpear software for monitoring train speed. Route learning has been completed for the Ghat section in preparation for Vande Bharat operations. The RPF team rescued 42 children, recovered properties worth about Rs. 60 lakh belonging to 114 passengers and seized around 35 kg of ganja worth approximately Rs.  27 lakh, he noted.