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SOUTH WESTERN RAILWAY- Marching ahead towards Progress.

P.K. Saxena

General Manager South Western Railway

1.0 OVERVIEW

South Western Railway was created by amalgamating the re-organized Hubli division from South Central Railway and Bangalore & Mysore divisions from Southern Railway. It became operational from 1st April 2003 with its headquarters at Hubli in the state of Karnataka.

Bangalore city is a world famous Information Technology hub of India. Hubli and Mysore are having a number of important tourist places where tourists from all over the world visit round the year. Hubli division connects the World Heritage Sites such as Hampi Ruins, Caves in Badami, Pattadakallu, Aihole etc, Londa Jn is an important gateway to the state of Goa. Mysore division caters to the World famous Dasara celebrations, Hoysala dynasty’s splendorous sculptures in Belur, Halebeedu and many other historic places.

SWR has in all 336 stations (including halts). This Railway has two coaching workshops at Hubli and Mysore and also two Diesel sheds at Hubli and Krshnarajapuram.

The zone has now become unigauge railway with 3,280 route kms., The last narrow gauge section of 87 kms length between Chikballapur and Kolar has been converted in November 2013.

The work force consist of 38,827 employees on rolls as on 1st February, 2014. This includes 523 Gazetted officers and 38,304 Non-Gazetted staff.

This Railway runs 232 mail/express trains per day including Duronto, Rajdhani, Shatabdi & Janshatabdi Express.

2.0 INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT.

A special trust is being given to improve infrastructure and line capacity on various sections of SWR.

2.1 Route Length – State wise.

SN State Total BG

(Kms)

1. Karnataka 2785

2. Andhra Pradesh 224

3. Tamil Nadu 174

4. Maharashtra 28

5. Goa 69

Total 3280

Maharashtra

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In Karnataka there are in total 26 ongoing projects costing Rs.23,125 Crs out of which 16 projects are being shared by Govt. of Karnataka and in 10 projects land is also being given free of cost by Govt. of Karnataka.

The total requirement of funds for sanctioned projects is Rs.19337 cr. (Railway Rs.12,123 Cr & Govt. of Karnataka is 7,214 Cr). Average budget grant per year in the past has been Rs.635 Cr., i.e Rs.390 Cr. from Railway and Rs.245 Cr from Govt. of Karnataka

237 km of track has been commissioned during 2013-14, which includes 112 km of New Line, 87 km of Gauge Conversion and 38 km of Doubling. Details of the sections commissioned during 2013-14 is as under:-

Sl. No.

Name of the project Length (in km)

New Lines 1. Kadur-Chikmagalur 45 2. Kottur-Harihar 67 Gauge Conversion

3. Kolar-Chikballapur 87 Doubling

4. Maddur-Hanakere-Mandya 195. Birur-Nagavangala-Ajjampur 19 TOTAL 237

The details of a few of the major projects commissioned during the year are furnished below:

2.1 New line between Kadur - Chikkamagalur

The Kadur – Chikmagalur – Sakleshpur new line project was sanctioned in 1996-97 with original estimated cost of Rs.157 Crs. The work of the first phase of the project between Kadur-Chikkamagalur was taken up during the year 2000. Initially the progress remained slow due to land acquisition problems and also lack of funds. In April 2010, Govt of Karnataka came forward for sharing 50% cost of the project and also to expedite the acquisition of land. The work was speeded up and the stretch between Kadur and Chikkmagalur was commissioned on 19.11.2013 with the running of passenger services between Chikkamagalur to Kadur and Shimoga.

The salient features of the Chikkamagalur-Kadur New line

Length 45.12 kms Year of sanction 1996-87

Cumulative Exp. Rs.319 Cr (Total) Rly : Rs.216 Cr GoK: RS.103 Cr

District Covered Chikkamagalur

Ruling Gradient 1 in 1000

Major Bridges 04

Minor Bridges 75

ROB/RUB 12 + 20

Chikkmagalur (District Headquarters) is an important town on this new line which is a tourist destination, trade center and also known as ‘Coffee land of Karnataka’. It is located at the foot hills of Mullayanagiri Range, the highest peak between Himalayas and Niligris. A large

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area of this district falls in Malnad region in the Western ghats and largely forested hilly region with heavy rainfall.

The second phase between Chikkamagalur to Sakleshpur was frozen by Railway Board in 2007. Subsequently Govt of Karnataka came forward to provide land free of cost in addition to bear 50% cost of the project and decision has been taken go ahead with the balance stretch. Railway Board has now sanctioned Revised Estimate of the project costing Rs.645 Cr in January 2014. Government of Karnataka will share Rs.352.77 Crs and Railway will share Rs.292.23 Crs out of the project cost. The land acquisition proceedings have been initiated and work in few section will commence shortly.

2.2 Kolar – Chikbalapur Gauge Conversion.

The above project was initially sanctioned in 2006. It was progressing slowly due to fund constraints. Meanwhile in April 2010, Govt. of Karnataka came forward to share the cost of the project in the interest of expediting the progress and also for the purpose of developing this region which was identified as one of the backward areas needing infrastructural development. Kolar – Chikballapur is a branch line of 87 km catering to various areas in the districts of Chikbalapur and Kolar. The salient features of the newly converted Kolar – Chikbalapur line.

Length 87 km

Year of sanction 2006-07

Cumulative Exp Rs.440 Cr (Total) Rly :Rs.273 Crs GoK :Rs.167 Crs

Districts Covered Kolar & Chikbalapur

No of Stations 6 Crossing Stations 4 Halt Stations

No. of LCs 8 Manned, 16 Unmanned

Major Bridges 12

Minor Bridges 157

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The section was originally part of the narrow gauge line between Yelhanaka – Bangarapet line built during the British regime. Under the uni-gauge policy the Yelhanka – Bangarapet line was closed in August 1995 and the work of conversion to Broad Gauge was taken up. The stretch between Yelhanka to Chikballapur was (45 km) was completed by 1998. The balance stretch between Chikbalapur to Kolar (87 km) was also sanctioned for conversion in 2006. The line has been commissioned for running of passenger train services on 08.11.2013.

With the completion of Gauge conversion of this section SWR has now become Uni-gauge w.e.f 08.11.2013

2.3 Kottur – Harihar (Amaravathi Colony) New Railway Line.

The above project was sanctioned during the year 1995-96. It traverses through Bellary and Davangere District of Karnataka. The line takes off from Amaravathi colony station of the Hubli – Bangalore Railway Line and reaches Kottur station covering a distance of 65 km. The project estimate was sanctioned in 2008 at a cost of Rs.281 Cr and subsequently revised to Rs.425 Cr. Govt of Karnataka and Railways have shared the cost with 2:1 ratio. The salient features of Kottur – Harihar (Amaravathi Colony) New Railway Line Length 65 kms

Year of sanction 1995-96

Cumulative Exp : Cost sharing by GoK & Railway 2:1

Rs.425 Cr (Total) GoK: Rs.283.34 Cr Rly : Rs.141.66 Cr

District Covered Bellary, Davangere

Stations 5 (Kotturu, Bennenhalli,Harapanahalli, Teligi, Amaravathi Colony)

Major Bridges 17

Minor Bridges 102

Road Over Bridges Road Under Bridges

07 + 32

Level Crossing (Manned)

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The construction of this line will reduce the distance from Hospet to Mangalore by 137 kms as presently the freight trains from Hospet to Mangalore are moving via Bellary, Rayadyrga, Arsikere, Hassan. Further the new line will provide connectivity to remote areas of Kotturu, Bennenhalli, Harapanahalli, Teligi, with Hubli – Bangalore main line.

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Most of the work of the new line was completed in 2010 but the land losers were demanding enhanced compensation and preventing Railways from completing the balance works and commissioning the line. After active persuasion at various levels land losers agreed to accept the enhanced compensation decided by Hon’ble High Court and permitted the Railways to complete the balance work. The remaining work was taken up on a war footing and the line was commissioned with the flagging off of Train No.56529/30 Kottur – Harihar passenger on 03.03.2014.

3.0 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE:

SWR is continuously striving for betterment of performance both in physical and financial terms. The performance of the Railway during the current financial year up to January, 2014 has been satisfactory. SWR has carried 159.90 million passengers upto January 2014. The originating passenger earnings up to January, 2014 have increased approximately by 23.53 % from Rs.1,031.32 Crs. to Rs.1,273.84 Crs. The performance on the freight side is also encouraging inspite of the ban imposed on mining by the Govt. of Karnataka. SWR carried 29.00 MTs of freight up to January, 2014 against 28.03 MTs, during the corresponding period of previous year, registering an increase of 3.46%. The originating freight earnings up to January, 2014 in the current financial year is Rs. 2400.40 Crs., which is 7.40 % more than the corresponding period of previous year earnings of Rs. 2234.92 Crs. The originating total Gross earnings of SWR up to the end of January, 2014 have increased from Rs. 3455.20 Crs. to Rs.3866.67 Crs., which is 11.90 % more than the corresponding period of previous year. 4.0 PASSENGER PROFILE:

4.1 Category of Stations : SWR has in all 336 stations (including halts)

SL. No.

Category of Station Nos.

1. A 1 02 2. A 15 3. B 17 4. C Nil 5. D 47 6. E 168 7. F 87 Total 336

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4.2 Facilities for Reservations/Tickets

In Order to make easy availability of Reservation tickets to passengers SWR has focused on providing PRS/UTS at new locations over the years. The location available on SWR (as on 31.01.2014) are as follows;

SL. No.

Type of PRS Total

1 UTS 173 2 Exclusive PRS 423 UTS cum PRS 764 DEFENCE 2 5 INDIA POST 31 6 Jansadharan Ticket Booking

Sewak Centers (JTBS) 58

In addition to the 232 mail/express long distance regular train services connecting the

state of Karnataka and Goa to all the corners of the country like New Delhi, Guwahati, Kanyakumari, Howrah, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Gorakhpur, Patna, Ahmedabad, Gandhidham, Ajmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur etc., SWR runs an average 172 passenger trains per day to cater to short distance traffic. Further 9 (nine) Mail/Express trains, 2 (two) Passenger trains, 7 (seven) extension of trains and 2 (two) increase in frequency of trains announced in the Railway Budget 2013 has also been introduced to meet the aspiration of the people of Karnataka. In addition to the Budget announcement trains, 3 (three) new trains, 2 (two) extension of trains and 1 (one) increase in frequency of trains have been introduced to meet the needs of the travelling public and to increase connectivity to different places in the country.

4.3 Passenger Amenities

“Customer” continues to be the prime focus of SWR. To make services passenger friendly and railway journey comfortable the following initiatives have been taken for the Rail users

Stainless Steel Modular Tandem Chairs on Platforms

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Non-AC Waiting Rooms Non-AC Relaxation Lounge

AC Waiting Lounge AC Relaxation Lounge

4.4 Retiring Rooms: For the convenience of transit passengers retiring rooms and

dormitories have been provided at the important stations over this railway. The Details of retiring room available are given below:

SL. No.

Station AC Room Non AC Room

1 Bangalore 13 Rooms (2 bedded) 01 Room (3 bedded)

16 Rooms (2 bedded)

2 Yesvantpur -- 06 Rooms (2 bedded) 3 Hubli 07 Rooms (2 bedded) 09 Rooms (2 bedded) 4 Vasco 06 Rooms (2 bedded)

02 Rooms (1 bed) 02 Rooms (3 bedded)

02 Rooms (2 bedded)

5 Mysore 06 Rooms (2 bedded) -- 6 Other stations on SWR 05 Rooms (2 bedded) 21 Rooms (2 bedded)

4.5 Coach Cleaning and Maintenance: Mechanized coach cleaning has been

introduced at all coaching depots in SWR as well as for Platform turnaround trains.

For cleaning of coaches on platform, a mobile work station was designed and developed in-house at Yesvantpur Coach Depot. On a battery operated platform truck, a diesel powered washing plant is mounted along with a 200 ltrs water tank. There is also provision for two stainless steel dust bins, cleaning materials implements and amenity items in the work station. All these items are mounted on a tray so that no dripping will take place on platform. This work station is found to be very useful for Platform Turn Round attention of coaches.

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4.6 Catering Services: To provide good quality catering services on SWR, modern catering outlets and base kitchens have been set up at major stations. A toll-free 24x7 catering helpline manned by commercial staff has also been established for the convenience of passengers as well as for prompt redressal of complaints.

Cell Kitchen at Bangalore City Station

COMESUM – Food Plaza at Bangalore City Station

Newly commissioned MULTI-CUISINE Food Plaza at Yesvantpur Station

Multi cuisine Food Plazas serve Chinese, North Indian and South Indian dishes. Apart from these fast food units, catering stalls, milk stalls, juice stalls, Jan Ahar/Rail Ahar outlets are functioning all many platforms for providing quality and wholesome food to the travelling public. The details are given below:

Units Station – No of Stalls

Total SBC Divn UBL Divn MYS Divn

Food Plaza SBC-1, BNC-1 YPR-1

UBL-1 MYS-2 6

Jan Ahaar SBC-1, YPR-1 UBL-1 -- 3 Rail Ahaar SBC-4, BNC-1

YPR-2 UBL -2 -- 9

4.7 Pre-paid Taxi/Auto Service:

This facility is presently available at 4 stations over the zone. A well laid out circulating area is demarcated in segments to accommodate pre-paid auto and taxi services. The pre-paid auto service is regulated by the Govt. Railway Police, while the pre-paid taxi services is operated by private agencies authorized by the Railways

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4.8 Facilities for Senior Citizens and differently abled :To take care for the senior citizens and differently abled persons the following facilities have been provided at important stations over the zone

Passenger Subway Lift

Toilet for Differently Abled

Battery operated Ferry Cart

Ramps for Wheel Chair access

Bangalore city railway station has been adequately equipped to the special needs of the

physically challenged persons. Facilities in the form Lifts for Subway, Battery Operated Ferry

Carts, Wheel Chairs, Ramps, Specially Designed Toilet, exclusive Waiting Lounge for the

Differently Abled are provided at the station. Service Improvement Group keeps a close

watch on upkeep and maintenance of such facilities and also suggest proposal for

augmentation.

4.9 Tourist Facilitation Counter:

KSTDC Tourist Facilitation Centre at SBC Tourism centres of IRCTC at Mysore

The Tourist Facilitation Centres provide specialized services to the tourist in the form of package tours, sightseeing, hotel booking etc.

Bangalore City Railway Station which is the premier Railway Station of South Western Railway has received National Tourism Award in the category of “Most Tourist Friendly Railway Station in India for the year 2012-13. This award is given every year by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India to one Railway station in India.

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4.10 Free Emergency Services To provide medical aid to the rail user free medical aid is available at Bangalore City, Yesvantpur and Mysore Station where doctors and paramedical staff are available in emergencies. Recently another Free Emergency Medical Centre has been opened at Bangalore Cant. (PF No.2)

5.0 HEALTH CARE :

ICU of Central Hospital, Hubli

Medical Department of SWR provides health to over 1.76 lakhs railway beneficiaries of SWR through a network of 3 major hospitals, Central Hospital, Hubli (149 beds), 02 Divisional hospitals at Mysore(101 beds) and Bangalore (50 beds) and 21 Health Units.

6.0 SAFETY :

Safety Organization has been continuing with the relentless efforts over the years in achieving accident free scenario in S. W. Railway, albeit the adverse developments and prevailing circumstances. The preceding year was a fight against collisions; currently it has made over to seek new vistas in dealing with fire in trains, re-emerging scenario of unmanned Level Crossing accidents and the increasing trend of Signal Passing at Danger, especially in Bangalore Division.

Preventive measures for fire prevention through penalization, education and enlightenment through visual applications have been the priorities enforced. Safety Organization, has effectively planned the Broadcast of Safety related messages in Kannada with regard to unmanned level crossings by the Akashavani Nilayam, Dharwad. Government of Karnataka has also included one lesson on the subject in the curriculum of state syllabus for the Primary Schools. The elimination of U/M LCs as per Action Plan has been achieved promising results during the year. 79 U/M LCs have been closed upto February 2014 against the annual target of 82 for the year 2013-14. Construction of one normal Height Sub way and 67 LH Sub way has also been completed upto February 2014 as against the annual target of 1 & 55 LH thereby exceeding the annual target for the year 2013-14. Panel Interlocking has been completed at 18 stations upto February 2014 against annual target of 19 stations. Provision of Data Logger has been completed at 10 Stations against the annual target of 9.

Out of 515 No of LCs qualifying for Interlocking, 467 has been completed upto March 2013. This year interlocking has been completed in 4 LC gates upto February 2014 against the annual target of 10 LC Gates for the year 2013-14.

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7.0 SECURITY :

SWR is continuously strengthening the security apparatus in Railway premises and during train journey to ensure safe travel. CCTVs have been installed at 11 important stations. Door Frame Metal Detectors(DFMD)/Hand Held Metal Detectors(HHMD) have been provided at vulnerable Railway Stations. Adequate number of RPF personnel have been deployed on escort duty in 85 trains on identified sections. For providing additional safety to lady passengers RPF/GRP escort party keeps close watch over ladies compartment and ladies waiting rooms. Integrated Security System is being implemented at Bangalore, Yesvantpur and Mysore Stations which will further strengthen the security environment.

Door Frame and Hand Held Metal Detectors

at Stations

Integrated security camera at Mysore Station

8.0 INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ROLLING STOCK MAINTENANCE.

8.1 Mysore Workshop

The Railway Workshop at Mysore was established as a Base Workshop of the erstwhile Mysore State Railway in 1924. Consequent to the transfer of few sections like Bangalore – Harihar and Yeshvanthapur –Hindupur to the State Railways, the workshop was expanded to the present form in 1938 with the task of maintaining the MG Rolling stock in the then undivided Mysore and Guntakal Divisions. Progressive Dieselisation of the MG sections coupled with the policy of uni-gauge contributed to the steady decline of MG steam load arising. The legacy of “Skill and dedication” of the Mysore workshops was not to be buried. A proposal for converting this shop into BG was sanctioned in the year 1992-93 at a cost of Rs.721.12 lakhs. BG coach POH was started in this workshop from August 1994 onwards. The workshop has been nominated for Carrying out SS-1, SS-2 and SS-3 Schedules for the LHB coaches. The workshop is equipped to undertake POH of 57 coaches of Non AC and 8 Coaches of AC every month, catering mainly to Mysore and Bangalore Divisions. Besides, capacity has also been developed for conversion of old Coaches into NMG Coaches, Camping Coaches and Accident Relief Train Coaches.

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8.1.1 LHB Coaches

Mysore workshop has been nominated for maintenance of LHB Coaches in SWR. The first LHB coach after SS-1 schedule was turned out in October 2012. So far 90 LHB Coaches have been turned out after SS-1. The first LHB Coach after SS-3 was also flagged off in Januay-2014.

8.1.2 Composite Brake Blocks

Mysore Workshop is the only manufacturer of Composite Brake Blocks on Indian Railways.

The Composite Brake Block has been developed as per RDSO specification C-K type 9809 (Rev 4) and same has been validated by RDSO. Every year 1,20,000 CBBs are being manufactured catering and supplied to divisions in addition to use on POH coaches.

8.1.3 Hydraulic Press for LHB Bogie:

A hydraulic press has been indigenously developed for dismantling and assembling the bolster of LHB bogie.

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8.1.4 LHB / ICF Bogie Adopter: Mysore workshop has manufactured an adopter for mounting LHB coaches on ICF Bogie during POH. This facilitates easier movement of LHB coaches inside the shop during POH, resulting in reduction in cycle time.

8.1.5 Manufacturing of Toy Trains

Due to the expertise gained over the years in the manufacturing of Toy Trains, Mysore workshop has become the prime manufacturing facility for Toy Trains. The Toy Train manufactured by this workshop is running in Children Parks of many states including National Rail Museum, Delhi and Rail Museum, Mysore.

8.2 Hubli Workshop:

Carriage Repair Workshop, Hubli formerly known as Loco, Carriage and Wagon Workshop was established in 1885 under Southern Maratha Railways. This Workshop was carrying out POH activities of all meter gauge rolling stock. After independence, this Workshop was brought under Southern Railway in 1951. Thereafter, with South Central Railway from 2nd October, 1966 and it is presently with South Western Railway since 1st April, 2003. This Workshop has under gone two stages of modernization to meet the technical advancements in rolling stock maintenance. The current up gradation of assets costing Rs.80.98 crores is under progress. 50% of the work is already completed and modern machines having state of art technology like Bogie Shot Blasting machine, Underwater Plasma Cutting machines, CNC Surface Wheel lathe, CNC Vertical Turret Lathe, Hydraulic Press brake 400T etc., have already been installed. The Paint Shop Structural Shed is under construction to accommodate the state of art Paint-Booth and Baking Oven which will facilitate undertaking the process of PU painting.

The Workshop has a potential to manufacture all types of Bogies, Bogie components and brake vans. With a dedicated staff strength of about 3100, Hubli Workshop has capability of overhauling 1050 units of different kinds of coaches per year and POH of Wagons and Brake vans and conversion of BG Coaches to other types viz NMG and ART vans.

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Various jigs and fixtures required for manufacturing of bogies have been developed in house without the need to purchase from trade. A good number of innovations and modifications were carried out to increase the POH periodicity, improved through put, cost reduction, quality improvements and customer satisfaction. To overcome the problems of corrosion, this Workshop had adopted innovative methods such as Epoxy coating on under frame components, floor at gangways, doorway and toilets of certain coaches.

8.2.1 BVZI Motorised Manipulator

The manufacturing of under frame for BVZI wagon is cumbersome as by virtue of huge dimensions, for down hand wielding, the whole under frame had to be turned with the help of EOT crane which was unsafe and time consuming. By using this motorized manipulator the welding work became much easier thus making it safe and less time consuming. The entire Motorised fixture is made in –house with available material.

8.2.2 Retrofitment of Bio toilets in Dual Mounting Arrangement coaches In the Bio toilets, the human waste is treated by bacteria which are benign to the humans. These bacteria convert human waste into water and gases. The gases escape to atmosphere and treated waste water is discharged after chlorination. Human waste thus does not fall on the tracks. This will also helps in preventing corrosion to coach and track components. Hubli workshop will start the Retrofitment of Bio Toilets from March-2014 8.2.3 Energy Conservation at Hubli Workshop

REDUCTION OF UNITS IN MONTHLY SEB BILLING

Comparison of Energy consumption (KWH) for last 3 years

PERIOD 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

Connected Load

11444 KVA

12130 KVA

12276 KVA

APR 128030 124310 131620

MAY 142715 139930 149900

JUN 134340 143100 140195

JLY 132460 144260 156580

AUG 132280 140520 137295

SEP 131820 131370 122700

OCT 123470 122280 118010

NOV 131066 129640 123900

DEC 111230 108300 107990

JAN 127830 130915 126640

FEB 137560 142470

MAR 138300 141850

TOTAL 15,71,101 15,98,945 13,14,830

100000

115000

130000

145000

160000

APR MAY JUN JLY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR

CONS

UMPT

ION (

IN UN

ITS)

PERIOD

2011-12

2012-13

2013-14

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8.2.4 Achievements

UBLS has achieved cumulative savings of 1.73 million units over last 4 years in the energy bills and in terms of monetary benefits approx. Rs.1.22 Crores cumulative over last 4 years is saved by adopting various Energy Conservation measures such as usage of Energy Saver for Welding Transformer / Rectifier / Motor Generator & Phasing out transformer type welding plant by new inverter based Welding Plants through “Power Saver”, use of Solar Power Plant, Solar Pipe lights and Harnessing Solar Energy for cooking at Staff Canteen through installation of “5 KW power stand-alone plant”, Use of Lighting Transformers during Nights, CFLs etc.

9.0 EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

9.1 Sports:

South Western Railway is in the forefront in encouraging Sports activities in all-round development of Railwaymen. The following sports infrastructure facilites is available for the sports persons for development of sports activities under SWRSA.

At Hubli 1) Sports ground has six lane of 400 mtrs Athletic track with facilities for Football, Hockey, Cricket, Volleyball & Kabbadi courts

2) Floodlit synthetic Tennis courts (two), 3) Indoor wooden floor Badminton Hall 4) Multi Gym. 5) Golf course with 9 holes.

At Mysore 1) Sports Ground with facilities for Football, Cricket & Hockey 2) Floodlit Synthetic Tennis court (two) 3) Multi Gym 4) Synthetic Basketball court 5) Indoor Badminton Hall & Snooker and Billiards table.

At Bangalore 1) Sports ground with facilities for Cricket, football & Hockey 2) Table Tennis Indoor Court (four tables) 3) Multi Gym 4) Indoor Badminton Hall & Snooker and Billiards table

Hubli Workshop 1) Full fledged Indoor snooker & Billiards table (two) 2) Table Tennis and carom board facilites are available

Chalukya Railway Institute

1) Full fledged Multi Gym 2) Indoor Badminton Hall, Table tennis, Carom board, Snooker &

Billiard table and Chess facilities.

The SWR Chess team with the runners up trophy at

the All India Railway Chess Championship organised by SWR at Hubli in September 2013

The All India Railway Chess Championship was organized by SWR at Hubli in September-2013. The All India Railway Cricket League Championships was also organized by SWR at Mysore in January 2014.

The Sports persons of SWR are performing extremely well during the financial year 2013-14 by bringing laurels to SWR at National & International Championships. The Swimming teams have emerged as the champions and the Golf team & Chess team finished in Second position at the All India Railway Championship. The Men’s Athletic team and Cycling team secured third position while Body building team finished fourth at the All India Railway Championships.

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9.2 Bharat Scouts & Guides :

Bharat Scouts & Guides wing of SWR are helping the administration by launching awareness campaigns at Unmanned Level Crossings. The SWR wing has been adjudged as the best performing Scouting Railway for the year 2013. The Indian Railway shield was also awarded to SWR during the recently concluded 2nd All India Railway Rovers and Rangers Samagam held at Jabalpur, WCR. 9.3 Cultural Association :

Cultural Programme organised by ‘Chilbil’ at Hubli

The South Western Railway Cultural Association “Chilbil” has been instrumental in promoting art and culture over SWR by organising cultural programmes for the Railway men and their families.

10.0 WOMEN’S WELFARE ORGANISATION: The SWR Women’s Welfare Organization (SWRWWO) has undertaken various welfare activities which has earned the image of being one of the devoted service organizations in the region. SWRWWO has come forward to help the wards of Railway employees by organising drawing & painting and essay competitions and also giving scholarships to the meritorious children pursuing higher education. SWRWWO is running English medium schools for the wards of Railway Employees and general public. The details are as below:

Smt. Neelima Saxena, President/SWRWWO lighting the lamp

during the Cultural function held at Railway Officers Club, Hubli

Headquarters 1 school from LKG to Class X 1 school for Special Children

Hubli Division 1 Play & Nursery school (Little Kingdom) 1 Baby care centre (Vatsalya crèche)

Mysore Division

1 school from LKG to Class X (Lalitha Primary & High School)

Bangalore Division 1 primary school at Hindupur. 4 Nursery school in Bangalore, Yeshwantpur, Bangarapet & krishnarajapuram (Stepping Stones Nursery School) 1 Baby care centre (Rainbow crèche) at Bangaloe Cantt.

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11.0 PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS: The Zone is in the forefront of making the rail users and public to be aware of all the

measures taken to make their rail journey a worthy experience. The various avenues of

media are being put to effective use to achieve this. Campaigns on social themes such as

ticket less travel, precautions at un-manned/manned railway level crossings, carrying of

inflammables and explosives, threat from terrorists and anti-social elements, theft of luggage

by drugging and poisoning etc., have been given wide publicity. The print media in terms of

newspapers is yet another major avenue of publicity utilized by the zone. Besides, publicity

literature in terms of posters, stickers, pamphlets, handouts, etc., on various themes adds to

the publicity campaigns.

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12.0 IMPORTANT TOURISM DESTINATIONS OVER THE ZONE

BIJAPUR: Gol Gumbaz- the elegant and the second largest dome in the world at Bijapur.

GOA: Most of the churches during the Portuguese rule were built in Old Goa and today Old Goa along with its churches is a world heritage site.

BADAMI CAVES: The Badami Caves near Bagalkot was the capital of early Chalukyas. Aihole and Pattadakkal are Temple towns and have Chalukyas architecture.

HAMPI: The Capital of Vijayanagara Empire - Hampi, belongs to 14th Century. Each deformed stone sculpture has a great story to narrate. It is a world heritage site.

BANGALORE: Bangalore City is well known as one of the attractive cities in India with beautiful parks such as Lalbagh, Cubbon Park and impressive public buildings like Vidhana Soudha etc.

MYSORE: Mysore city presents a blend of both old world charm and advancements of modern technology.

JOG FALLS: Jog falls of Shimoga District is one of the highest waterfalls in Asia. The Sharavati river crashes nearly nine hundred feet down forming four main channels named King, Queen, Rocket and Roarer.

COASTAL KARNATAKA : Karnataka is blessed with over 300 kms of pristine coastal stretch. Nethrani Island of Uttara Kannada is well known for coral reefs. St. Mary's Island, a few kilometers from Udupi is famous for its basalt rock formations.

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