Palakkad rail division opens studio for digital outreach

The Palakkad Divisional Railway opened a studio and media room at the divisional headquarters at Olavakode, near here, on Thursday. Palakkad has become the first division in Southern Railway to launch a full-fledged studio for digital media communication.

Inaugurating the studio, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Madhukar Roat said that the studio facility under the Public Relations department would enhance the division’s outreach and transparency.

Palakkad division was rated the best in Southern Railway by winning the Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar during the 70th Railway Week celebrations early this month. The West Coast Express (train number 22638) maintained at Mangaluru depot was rated the best maintained train in Southern Railway and Palakkad Junction Railway Station the best kept station.

In-house magazine

Mr. Roat also released Pragati, an in-house magazine brought out by the division’s Public Relations department. He said Pragati was the first such magazine in Indian Railway, showcasing the division’s achievements, initiatives and human stories from the field.

Mr. Roat said that 80% work on the ₹22.22-crore pit line at Palakkad had been completed. Once completed, it will significantly increase maintenance capacity, ensure faster turnaround of rakes and enable the division to introduce new train services from Palakkad, he said.

Kulukkallur and Melattur stations are being developed into crossing stations by spending ₹28.5 crore and ₹27.5 crore each. Half of the work is complete. “On completion, they will greatly improve train running time between Shoranur and Nilambur by reducing delays due to crossings,” he said.

Additional Divisional Manager K. Anil Kumar, Chief Project Manager S. Jayakrishnan, and Public Relations Officer B. Devadanam were present.