Newssuper, Report Tania Kundu Kolkata, April 08, 2026 –
In a grand ceremony celebrating professional dedication and operational brilliance, Shri Rajeev Saxena, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Sealdah, presided over the 70th Rail Seva Puraskar. The event recognized the “unwavering dedication” of railway employees who drove the division to record-breaking heights during the 2024-25 financial year.
The ceremony was inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the lamp by Shri Saxena, in the presence of Smt. Nidhi Saxena, President of ERWWO, along with ADRMs and Branch Officers. The event served as a tribute to a year defined by historic growth in safety, passenger services, and infrastructure.
Shri Saxena also highlighted that Sealdah Division has set new benchmarks in revenue and efficiency in the year 2025-26:
• Record Passenger Volume : Division successfully managed its highest-ever footfall, serving 80.77 crore passengers.
• Historic Train Services: 46 new EMU trains, including 10 AC services—marking the first-ever AC EMU service in the Eastern Zone.
• New Mail Express Trains : Introduced 3 pairs of new Mail/Express trains, including the Humsafar, Sairang, and first Amrit Bharat Express.
• Infrastructure & Passenger Comfort: Reopened the long-awaited Prafulla Dwar and additional ticket counters to ease passenger movement.
• Connectivity: Krishnanagar-Aamghata section was opened to further ease of passenger travel.
• Gatishakti Cargo Terminal: Established the first Gatishakti Cargo Terminal in Eastern Railway at Sargachi, revolutionizing freight handling.
• Record Maintenance: The year saw record Track renewal works, ensuring higher safety standards and smoother transitions.
• Revenue in Scrap: Achieved the highest-ever scrap sale performance in Eastern Railway.
• Crowd Management: Implemented platform nomination at Dum Dum and Bidhannagar to regulate heavy crowds. Successfully managed massive surges during Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Chatt Puja, Gangasagar Mela and Matua Mela through special trains and extra coaches.
• Punctuality & Speed : Overall punctuality reached 93.45%.
• Innovation: Established “Dawa Dost” medical shops at stations for passenger convenience at 38 stations.
• Modernization: Commissioned Electronic Interlocking (EI) at Plassey, Berhampore Court, and Sealdah, alongside 36 Sliding Boom Gates.
• Medical Infrastructure: 03 Tesla MRI machine installed at B.R.Singh Hospital, first time in Indian Railway.
To honour the specialized departments that form the backbone of the division, 24 Efficiency Shields were conferred upon units in the following categories:
• Stations: For maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and passenger management at both large and small stations.
• Safety : For rigorous adherence to accident-prevention protocols and operational security.
• Technical: Recognizing the Engineering, S&T, and Electrical wings for their roles in infrastructure modernization and maintenance.
• Health Units : For exemplary medical services and superior upkeep of health facilities for the railway family.
• Security: Awarded to the RPF for their steadfast commitment to maintaining law, order, and a secure environment for commuters.
Shri Saxena emphasized that while current milestones are historic, they are merely the foundation for the future. With a significant investment of ₹453.19 Crore sanctioned for 32 new projects, division is poised to further revolutionize passenger amenities.
In his concluding remarks, Shri Saxena extended his heartfelt congratulations to all award winners, hailing their “individual brilliance and tireless spirit” as the driving force behind the nation’s socio-economic progress. He issued a stirring call to action, encouraging every employee to perform with renewed Vigor so they too may stand among the awardees in the years to come.
