The South Central Railway (SCR), Vijayawada division, achieved a remarkable feat, transporting a record 5.5 lakh passengers in a single day on October 4. This unprecedented footfall, encompassing both inward and outward journeys, marks the highest achievement in the division’s operational history and generated an impressive ₹5 crore in revenue, announced Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Mohit Sonakiya on Sunday.
To manage the extraordinary rush, SCR officials proactively implemented extensive measures. They opened 25 additional booking and reservation counters at key railway stations, installed 72 Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs), and ensured adequate ATMC operators were available around the clock, as confirmed by Public Relations Officer Nusrat M. Mandrupkar in a recent press release.
DRM Mohit Sonakiya extended his heartfelt congratulations to all officers and staff whose tireless efforts ensured seamless transportation during this demanding period. He emphasized that these record-breaking passenger figures underscore the profound trust and confidence the public places in Indian Railways, solidifying Vijayawada division’s reputation as one of the nation’s busiest and most vital railway junctions.
Concurrently, major railway stations across the region experienced a significant surge in passenger traffic on Sunday, as people headed back to their workplaces following the Dasara holidays. Stations in Vijayawada, Eluru, Bhimavaram, Rajahmundry, Machilipatnam, Narsapur, and other key locations were notably crowded throughout the day.
S. Srivalli, a private employee from Krishna district, shared her experience: “I traveled to Machilipatnam to celebrate Dasara with my family. Now that the holidays are over, we are all heading back to Chennai.”
Indeed, trains bound for major cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, and Visakhapatnam were completely packed from Sunday afternoon onwards, reflecting the widespread post-holiday travel.