more-in The Madurai Railway Division saw a surge of 25 lakh passengers between April and July of the current financial year compared to the corresponding period in the last fiscal, according to Divisional Railway Manager Neenu Ittyerah. The railway division’s earning through freight movement also increased by 5.92%, she said. Unfurling the tricolour on the occasion of 72nd Independence Day here on Wednesday, the DRM said freight from Milavittan area in Thoothukudi district fetched a total earnings of ?261.57 crore in the current financial year, which was 5.92% higher than that of the earnings during the corresponding period last year. Earnings from reserved passenger traffic increased by 9.8 % and earnings from unreserved passenger travel went up by 18%. The division carried 1.78 crore passengers between April and July as against 1.53 crore in the corresponding period last year. During this period, it also also ran 344 specials catering to rising demand. “The occupancy of these specials ranges from 80% to 110%,” she said. As part of safety improvement works, 51 unmanned level crossing gates were abolished between April and July. A total of 24 express trains and two passenger trains had escorts from Railway Protection Force, while 18 express trains and four passenger trains had personnel from Government Railway Police. For the first time, RPF personnel, who helped passengers in getting back their lost valuables on railway premises and trains, were honoured on the occasion. Madurai division in particular had improved its position in the over all ranking of stations, moving from 61st to 38th in the list. A guard of honour was presented by RPF, students of Railway Mixed Higher Secondary School and Scouts and Guides. Senior railway officials were present.

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