Waltair Rly Div earns Rs 9,030-cr revenue, ranks 5th in freight handling
With a future-ready approach and citizen-centric focus, the division strengthened operational efficiency while expanding connectivity
image for illustrative purpose
Visakhapatnam: Waltair Division of East Coast Railway (ECoR) recorded a year of transformative growth and service enhancement in 2025, marking significant strides in passenger convenience, infrastructure development, safety, freight performance, sustainability, and social initiatives.
With a future-ready approach and citizen-centric focus, the division strengthened operational efficiency while expanding connectivity and upgrading facilities across its jurisdiction.
Waltair Division achieved historic freight records, including 50 MT in just 230 days – fastest in the division's history and crossed 100 MT in 256 days ahead of previous benchmarks. It ranked 5th in Indian Railways for earnings and loading, with Rs9,030 crore revenue and 73.5 MT loading till November 2025 as passenger traffic rose to 30.58 million, registering 10 per cent growth, Divisional Railway Manager Lalit Bohra told reporters here on Wednesday.
The division received five Zonal-level efficiency shields, a Platinum-rated Green Railway Station Certification for Visakhapatnam, and national recognition for ELS/Visakhapatnam in the BLW Electric Loco “Beauty Contest.”
A landmark moment was achieved with the creation of Rayagada as the 70th Railway Division. Major rail-infrastructure works progressed rapidly, including doubling on key sections and commissioning of over 360 km of double line by March 2025.
Foundation stones and inaugurations worth over Rs1,200 crore were carried out, including fourth lines, rail flyovers, station upgrades, FOBs, platform works and passenger-amenity projects.
To improve comfort and capacity, the Visakhapatnam–Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express was permanently augmented from 16 to 20 coaches from 11 January 2025.
Jansadharan specials and festival special trains were operated to meet seasonal travel demand, including services for Maha Kumbh Mela and Rath Yatra–2025.
Additional LHB Vistadome and 3AC Economy coaches were introduced on the scenic Araku route, while 23 originating trains were converted to LHB rakes for enhanced safety.
A total of 506 special trains were operated and 1803 trains handled during peak seasons. General coaches were added to support unreserved passengers, and counselling sessions were conducted for OBHS staff to improve onboard services. The frequency of the Udhna–Brahmapur–Udhna Amrit Bharat Express was increased to tri-weekly from 19 November 2025.
Digital ticketing awareness campaigns were conducted to promote UTS Mobile App usage and QR-based payments. Sensitization programmes on Divyangjan care and linen-hygiene initiatives were carried out across stations.
Over 2,800 participants joined International Day of Yoga events organized across the Division.
Advanced MRI-based OHE monitoring systems were deployed for real-time safety diagnostics, while the first KAVACH-equipped WAG9HC locomotive was commissioned in the Division.
Special safety audits, awards for meritorious staff actions, and continuous training reinforced operational safety. RPF strengthened surveillance with new motorcycles, anti-trafficking rescues, flag marches and crowd-management initiatives during pilgrim and festival rush.
