The Central Railway (CR) has declared 2025 a landmark year, blending a celebration of its rich heritage with outstanding operational performance and a clear vision for a modernized future. The year held special significance as it marked 100 years of electrification on its network, commemorating the first electric train run from Victoria Terminus (now CSMT) to Kurla on the Harbour Line back in 1925.
Record-Breaking Performance and Passenger-Centric Upgrades
Passenger services and freight operations demonstrated remarkable strength throughout the year. According to CR chief spokesperson Swapnil Nila, the zone transported a staggering over 1,500 million passengers. Financially, it achieved total earnings exceeding Rs 16,110 crore from passenger, coaching, and other sources. Freight operations remained robust, handling 73.3 million tonnes of loading, crucially supporting industries and supply chains across Maharashtra and other regions.
Focusing on passenger convenience, CR commissioned 21 escalators and 23 lifts at various stations, significantly aiding senior citizens, women, children, and passengers with reduced mobility. Suburban connectivity received a major boost with the addition of 10 new services between Nerul/Belapur and Uran. Furthermore, two new suburban stations, Targhar and Gavan, were opened on this route, improving access for expanding residential and industrial zones and enhancing connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Tech-Driven Safety, Ticketing, and Sustainability
In a significant technological leap, Central Railway became the first zonal railway in India to complete KAVACH anti-collision system trials across all its five divisions within just six months. This achievement was backed by extensive staff training, paving the way for a planned network-wide deployment of the safety system.
To streamline the passenger experience, mobile UTS sahayaks were introduced at CSMT, enabling staff to issue tickets on the spot using handheld devices that accept both cash and digital payments. Enforcement drives were also intensified, detecting 37.5 lakh cases of unauthorized travel and realizing Rs 216.6 crore in penalties.
Other innovations included a senior-citizen-friendly EMU compartment, Optical Ground Wire communication, and in-house solutions for monsoon resilience. Aligning with Indian Railways' net-zero 2030 mission, CR advanced its sustainability goals through open access power procurement for greener and more cost-effective electricity.
Celebrating Heritage and Community Welfare
The year was also marked by vibrant cultural and community engagement initiatives. Highlights included the celebration of the 150th anniversary of "Vande Mataram" at CSMT, all-women crew operations on International Women's Day, a World Heritage Day exhibition, and Station Mahotsavs at 15 stations.
Passenger welfare remained a core focus. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) did commendable work under Operation Nanhe Farishte, rescuing 1,499 children. Under Operation Jeevan Rakshak, the force was credited with saving 69 lives, underscoring its commitment to passenger safety beyond just infrastructure.
