East Coast Railway General Manager Parmeshwar Funkwal, along with the Divisional Railway Managers Manoj Kumar Sahoo (Waltair) and Amitabh Singhal (Rayagada), and Principal Heads of Departments and senior officers from the zonal headquarters and both the Divisions, conducted a comprehensive safety inspection of the Rayagada-Vizianagaram section on Monday (February 17).

The focus of the inspection was on assessing safety standards, amenities and infrastructure improvements at Rayagada station.

Mr. Funkwal visited the Railway Colony in Rayagada, where they interacted with the residents to understand their needs and evaluate the available amenities. They also reviewed the newly-developed park in the colony, appreciating the efforts of the Civil Engineering, Electrical, and Environment & Health Management departments.

The inspection continued with an in-depth evaluation of various critical facilities, including circulating areas, retiring rooms, crew lobby, RRI cabin, relay room, waiting halls, food courts, booking and parcel offices, Running Room, Traction Depot, Accident Relief Trains and Medical Equipment Vans, Carriage Depot, Traction Substation, and overall improvements at Rayagada station.

The General Manager interacted with the staff to assess their competency, maintenance practices, and concerns, ensuring that safety protocols were being followed and exploring opportunities to enhance passenger amenities and infrastructure.

During the inspection, Mr. Funkwal inaugurated the Emergency Medical Room, ensuring round-the-clock availability of paramedics and a doctor from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to provide emergency treatment for all bonafide passengers. He also inaugurated the temporary Divisional Railway Manager’s Office for Rayagada Division. He reviewed the station development activities with the officials.

Later, a speed trial was conducted from Jimidipeta to Parvathipuram. Upon reaching Parvathipuram, the General Manager, accompanied by DRM s and PHOD s, reviewed the station’s developmental activities, including the waiting halls, railway offices, retiring rooms, and the relay room. Later, he inspected the Railway Colony. He conducted a safety inspection at Parvathipuram station, assessing the safety skills, proper use of safety equipment and overall work performance of gangmen.

Parvathipuram MLA Bonela Vijayachandra met the General Manager and submitted a memorandum seeking various developmental activities and additional train stoppages. Mr. Parmeshwar Funkwal also inspected the curve no.168 between Sitanagaram and Bobbili. He received representations from passenger associations and local representatives, patiently listening to their concerns.