Southern Railway Earnings Hit ₹13,778 Crore as Velachery Line Commissioned

Southern Railway recorded originating gross earnings of ₹13,778 crore in 2025-26, representing an 8.84% increase over the previous year, General Manager U Subba Rao announced on Saturday during the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Railway Stadium in Perambur.

Subba Rao highlighted several major infrastructure milestones across Chennai and the wider railway zone, including the commissioning of the long-awaited Velachery–St Thomas Mount section. Originating gross earnings during the current financial year up to July 2026 also registered a 6% growth compared to the corresponding period last year.

The General Manager hoisted the National Flag and received the Guard of Honour from Railway Protection Force contingents and the St John’s Ambulance Brigade. The event was attended by senior railway officials, employees, and representatives of recognised unions and associations.

Addressing the gathering, Subba Rao said Southern Railway handled 42.184 million tonnes of freight in 2025-26, up from 41.731 million tonnes the previous year. Originating passenger traffic reached 767.65 million passengers, marking a 4.7% growth. The railway zone maintained a punctuality rate of 91.3%, ranking as the third-highest across Indian Railways despite introducing new trains and special services.

During 2025-26 and up to July 2026, Southern Railway introduced 39 pairs of new trains and operated approximately 7,550 special train trips alongside new MEMU services. A total of 100 trains were permanently augmented with 121 additional coaches, while 31 pairs were upgraded to LHB coaches.

Infrastructure improvements across the zone included the commissioning of 73 lifts, 19 escalators, and 29 foot overbridges, alongside 127 platform raising or extension projects. On safety works, Subba Rao noted that 102 projects comprising Road Over Bridges, Road Under Bridges, and Limited Height Subways were completed, leading to the elimination of 51 manned level crossings.

Subba Rao also stated that the Railway Hospital in Perambur became the first hospital in Indian Railways to receive a Corneal Eye Banking licence. Additionally, around 3,000 candidates were recruited across various channels during 2025-26.