Train No. 16630 Mangaluru Central-Thiruvananthapuram Malabar Express glides on the Netravati bridge in Mangaluru on March 30, 2025. Southern Railway’s Palakkad division, which was ranked first in key performance indicators by the Railway Board, has achieved 94.01% punctuality in train operations.
| Photo Credit: ANIL KUMAR SASTRY

Palakkad division has secured the first position in the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) rankings of Indian Railways, moving upwards from 54th in 2023 and 5th in 2024.

The rankings, by the Railway Board, evaluate all the 68 railway divisions across various parameters.

The division reached its revenue target as early as February by earning ₹1607.02 crore through improved passenger and freight earnings. It also effectively controlled expenditure through optimised resource allocation and energy conservation.

Punctuality performance

The division significantly improved punctuality with emphasis on operational efficiency and achieved 94.01% train punctuality despite operating several special trains and enforcing many line as well as power blocks for infrastructure maintenance.

Freight loading saw 36.55% increase, from 5.9 million tonnes and ₹427.64 crore revenue in 2023-24 to 6.41 million tonnes and ₹583.37 crore revenue in 2024-25. The feat was achieved by efficient terminal management, enhanced wagon availability and customer-centric initiatives.

Efficient use of locomotives, coaches, wagons and infrastructure enhanced operational productivity while data-driven planning improved asset turnaround time. It maximised the potential of e-auction platforms to monetise passenger amenity assets, including catering stalls, parking areas, paid AC waiting halls and advertisements at stations, generating ₹50 crore contract value from 115 assets.

Track renewal and maintenance

Stringent safety protocols, regular inspections, and proactive track maintenance have led to zero accidents. The division executed major track renewal projects, replacing aged rails and sleepers. It granted 19% more traffic blocks for safety related, engineering, signal & telecommunication and traction works, as compared to last year. Nearly 40 km new tracks were laid replacing old tracks while 64.41 km tracks underwent deep screening.

The division provided enhanced security across stations and trains by deploying additional RPF personnel, surveillance systems and patrolling. While 45 cases of crimes against women and children were reported, 42 were detected with arrest of 44 accused persons. Under Operation Nanhe Fariste, 198 children — 157 boys and 41 girls — were rescued and reunited with their families.

Station development

Palakkad division has undertaken infrastructure improvements, including modernised waiting halls, improved station lighting, better sanitation facilities, and accessibility upgrades under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS).

Additional platform shelters were erected under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme at Mangaluru Junction Railway Station.
| Photo Credit:
ANIL KUMAR SASTRY

While ₹300 crore was sanctioned to upgrade 16 stations, including Mangaluru Junction and Central, the division has spent ₹175 crore so far. The stations feature well-lit parking areas, expanded circulating spaces, over 200 additional platform shelters, foot overbridges, lifts, escalators, and upgraded platform surfaces.

Divisional Railway Manager Arun Kumar Chaturvedi commended all the staff for the recognition.