Salem Railway Division to set up more Solar Plants

The Salem Railway Division will set up 100 kw solar plants on the railway premises in different centres and the preliminary works have commenced, said Shubhranshu, Divisional Railway Manager, here on Saturday.

Addressing the Independence Day celebrations of the Salem Railway Division, he said solar panels have already been set up at four railway stations and 50 level crossing gates. Prototype solar water pump and solar water heaters in all running rooms for loco pilots are also in place, he added.

He said the gross earnings of Salem Railway Division have risen by 12 per cent last year (2014-15).

The gross earnings of the division which stood at Rs. 548 crore in 2013-14 rose to Rs.611 crore during last year, Mr. Shubhranshu said. During the current year till July, the gross earnings stood at Rs.197 crore, he said.

Referring to the passenger earnings, he said that it had gone up by 17.2 per cent – from Rs. 391 crore to Rs. 458 crore.

Up to July this year, the passenger earnings stood at Rs. 162 crore.

The opening of Yatri Ticket Sevak Kendra at Erode, appointment of 23 ticket booking sevaks and installation of 15 ticket vending machines at nine stations, electrification of Coimbatore North-Mettupalayam link, opening of second entry and new waiting hall at Tirupur station, extension of subway up to platform No. 5 and extension of station building at Salem Junction and new station building at Coimbatore North were the other development works commissioned.