ECR's Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Division Clinches Top Honors at Annual Railway Awards
The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) division of the East Central Railway (ECR) has been recognized as the premier performer, securing the prestigious General Manager's overall efficiency shield. This accolade was presented during the 'Vishisht Rail Puraskar' railway week function, held in Hajipur on Saturday. The ceremony served as a platform to honor excellence across various operational domains, including safety, cleanliness, and overall performance within the railway network.
Cleanliness and Operational Excellence Take Center Stage
ECR Chief Public Relations Officer Saraswati Chandra detailed the award outcomes, noting that the Dhanbad division emerged as the runner-up in the GM's overall efficiency category. However, Dhanbad distinguished itself by winning the cleanliness award, with Dhanbad railway station being adjudged the cleanest among major stations. In the medium station category, Patliputra Junction, under the Danapur division, was declared the cleanest station. This recognition underscores sustained efforts to enhance passenger amenities and uphold stringent hygiene standards across the railway infrastructure.
Record Financial and Freight Performance Highlighted
Addressing the gathering, ECR General Manager Chhatrasal Singh announced that the zone achieved a record revenue of Rs 31,000 crore during the 2025–26 financial year. Freight operations also experienced a significant surge, with goods loading reaching an impressive 200 million tonnes. These milestones reflect the zone's robust economic contributions and operational efficiency in handling cargo and passenger services.
Expansion of Modern Train Services and Employee Welfare Initiatives
On the operational front, the ECR has expanded its modern train services by introducing 12 pairs of Vande Bharat trains, 17 pairs of Amrit Bharat Express services, and one pair of Namo Bharat trains. This expansion aims to enhance connectivity and passenger convenience across the network, aligning with broader initiatives to modernize India's railway system. In a notable welfare initiative, the ECR allocated Rs 1.33 crore for scholarships to support the higher education of wards of railway employees during the fiscal year, emphasizing its commitment to employee welfare and development.
Ceremony Attended by Senior Officials and Employees
The function was attended by senior railway officials from the ECR headquarters, divisional railway managers (DRMs), and employees from all five divisions. The event provided an opportunity to recognize and award achievements across various sectors, marking another milestone year for the ECR. The collective efforts and dedication of the railway community were celebrated, reinforcing the importance of continuous improvement and excellence in railway operations.
