Addressing a press conference in Visakhapatnam, Divisional Railway Manager Lalit Bohra said freight earnings crossed ₹10,000 crore for the first time, touching ₹10,422.56 crore, an increase of 18.75 per cent. As a result, the division ranked fifth nationally in both earnings and freight loading.

Passenger traffic rose to 33.42 million, up 6.6 per cent; generating ₹881.37 crore in revenue, the highest in 21 years. Additional revenues include ₹9.81 crore from catering, ₹11.14 crore from non-fare sources, ₹26.21 crore through ticket-checking, ₹4.26 crore from parking and ₹27.63 crore from other sources.

Freight loading crossed 85.1 million tonnes during the year, while total goods handled exceeded 150 million tonnes, registering growth of over 17 per cent in both categories.

On infrastructure, allocations included ₹10,134 crore for Andhra Pradesh, ₹10,928 crore for Odisha and ₹7,470 crore for Chhattisgarh. Fifteen stations have been selected under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Facilities, such as a railway officers’ residential complex in Visakhapatnam, and an RPF outpost at Bobbili have been commissioned.

Passenger amenities have been expanded with dormitories in Vizianagaram, sleeping pods and vending systems at Visakhapatnam, and One Station One Product stalls featuring Araku and Koraput coffee.

The division has deployed an AI-enabled rail robocop “ASC ARJUN” at Visakhapatnam station for surveillance and passenger assistance.

Bohra said Visakhapatnam station has received Platinum-rated Green Railway Station certification. In addition, Waltair division received the Overall Efficiency Shield and 14 departmental efficiency shields, while its employees have been honoured with the Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar and Rail Seva Puraskar. Six Bharat Scouts and Guides cadets have received the President’s Award.

Focus on attracting investments: Vizag’s new collector

M. Abhishikth Kishore assumed charge as Visakhapatnam district collector on Wednesday, pledging balanced development and efficient governance.

He said focus would be on speeding up ongoing projects and attracting investments in IT, industry and tourism, while ensuring benefits reach both urban and rural areas. He highlighted projects like Bhogapuram International Airport as key to growth and employment.

Kishore assured transparent administration and direct public engagement to address grievances and ensure welfare delivery.

Senior officials welcomed him on the occasion.

Andhra University gears up for centenary celebrations

Andhra University is ramping up preparations for its centenary celebrations, as Vice-Chancellor Prof. G.P. Rajasekhar led a review meeting attended by college principals, committee members, and administrative officials. A significant focus was on the Centenary Special Souvenir, with Prof. Rajasekhar urging the committee to ensure it highlights the university’s rich history, drawing inspiration from previous jubilees. He proposed the release of a commemorative postage stamp and coin to celebrate the milestone and sought updates on the necessary administrative processes. Additionally, he emphasized the need for a systematic schedule for localized events and close coordination among committees to ensure timely execution of all initiatives. The meeting also included other key officials, reinforcing the collaborative approach for a successful celebration.

RINL reports 52% surge in steel production for FY26

Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited reported robust growth in FY26, with production and sales recording significant increases.

Hot metal output rose 52% to 5.95 million tonnes, while crude steel production climbed 51% to 5.43 million tonnes. Turnover increased 22% to ₹22,311 crore, and sales volumes grew 27% to 4.42 million tonnes.

The company attributed the performance to improved efficiency and higher capacity utilisation, and aims to sustain growth through better quality and expanded market reach.