INSPECTION NOTE OF SHRI N.S.N.MURTHY, FA&CAO(WST), SCR, ON SALE OF TICKETS IN KAKINADA-KOTIPALLI SECTION ON VIJAYAWADA DIVISION OF SOUTH CENTRAL RAILWAY

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TICKET  TICKET  heard on trains – sale of tickets on trains…. .Akin to buses, these words are now heard on the trains on  Kakinada-Kotipalli section of Vijayawada division on South Central Railway.

The 45 km.-long section (a branch line) was opened to traffic in mid-Nov.’04, with three pairs of passenger trains being operated using a single Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) rake.  The section consists of 9 halt stations and 1 crossing station.  During my inspection of this section on      8-12-04 the following points were noticed:

¨      The earnings of the section are very meager, ranging from Rs.500 to Rs.5000/- per day.

¨      A  Hd.Goods Clerk was travelling the section daily to collect cash on one way and deliver acknowledged CR Notes for the previous day(s) involving payment of TA every day.

¨      The 9 halt stations were being manned by deputing staff on a daily basis from Kakinada Town, involving considerable TA.

My inspection report suggested the following measures to achieve economy by reduction in the staff requirement as well as payment of TA:

¨      Introduction of  Mobile Booking Counter on the DEMU rake by drafting 2 Booking Clerks and making suitable modifications to the rake                          

·        OR

¨      Draft a Booking Clerk or TTE to man the train like a bus conductor.

The Vijayawada division has acted upon the suggestions given in the Report, taking the following steps:

·        Mobile Booking Counter on the DEMU Rake has been introduced w.e.f.1-1-2005.

·        4 Commercial Clerks and 2 RPF Escorts have been drafted to man the Mobile Booking Counter in two shifts.

·        11 other commercial staff earlier used for this section have been redeployed.

·        The cash collected for both the journeys on each trip is remitted at the end of the round trip at Kakinada.

(This is likely to continue till Contractors are appointed to operate the halts)

 The measure has not only achieved economy in expenditure but has also won the appreciation of the local Press.  Perhaps this arrangement could be contemplated in many other uneconomic branch lines. ….

N.S.N. MURTHY,

FA & CAO/WST

(IRAS 1982 Exam Batch)