Latest news with #ParmeshwarFunkwal
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
Rlys reviews arrangements to manage festival crowd
Bhubaneswar: To ensure smooth movement and a comfortable journey for devotees, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) on Wednesday reviewed the comprehensive arrangements made to manage influx of devotees for Rath Yatra. ECoR general manager Parmeshwar Funkwal inspected Puri railway station and emphasised passenger comfort, crowd management, infrastructure readiness, and integration of technology to elevate pilgrim experience. The railways announced operation of over 365 special trains from various states to accommodate the extraordinary travel demand. To manage the unprecedented crowd, ECoR established dedicated pilgrim waiting areas and mela sheds with a combined capacity of around 20,000 pilgrims. The station infrastructure was significantly enhanced with covered seating zones, modular toilets, drinking water booths, mobile charging stations, and medical first aid stations with ambulance backup. A 24X7 control room at Puri will oversee operations, supported by help desks and 'May I Help You' counters across key points. Real-time updates will be provided through LED displays, public announcements, and the ECoR Yatra App, said an official statement of the ECoR. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The ticketing infrastructure expanded to include 34 booking counters at Puri station and 35 additional counters at major junctions like Bhubaneswar, Khurda Road, Cuttack, Brahmapur, and Bhadrak. Mobile UTS counters and automatic ticket vending machines (ATVMs) with facilitators were also deployed to promote digital ticketing. ECoR official sources said security measures were strengthened with the deployment of RPF and GRP personnel, 250 CCTV cameras, drones, and sniffer dogs. Face recognition technology and dual-stage ticket checks will be implemented at 10 entry gates. Special attention was paid to elderly passengers, women, children, and the medically vulnerable through battery-operated vehicles, reserved seating, and accessible facilities. ECoR also partnered with various NGOs to provide free hygienic food service and drinking water to pilgrims on the railway premises. The railway zone effectively combined technology with tradition to ensure a safer, smarter, and more convenient travel experience for all devotees attending the sacred Rath Yatra.
Hans India
12-06-2025
- General
- Hans India
ECoR GM inspects section on Khurda Rd-Bolangir route
Bhubaneswar: The East Coast Railway (ECoR) General Manager, Parmeshwar Funkwal, conducted an inspection of the under-construction Sonepur–Purunakatak railway section, which is part of Khurda Road–Bolangir new line project. Senior officers from ECoR headquarters, construction officials and officials from Sambalpur Railway Division accompanied the GM during the inspection on Tuesday. The visit focused on reviewing the progress of the project and ensuring adherence to the targeted timelines. Funkwal emphasised timely execution and urged officials to expedite the pending works while maintaining quality and safety standards. He also reviewed critical infrastructure components and advised necessary steps for on-time completion. The Sonepur–Purunakatak section has already been completed. This development will improve regional connectivity and boost economic growth in Western Odisha. This flagship project, closely monitored by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, is considered a lifeline for interior regions of the State. The ECoR sources said out of the total 301 km planned length, 226 km has already been commissioned, including Khurda Road to Daspalla (106 km) and Bolangir to Purunakatak (120 km). The remaining 75 km stretch between Daspalla and Purunakatak is under construction and is expected to be completed by December 2026. This stretch is particularly challenging as it passes through reserve forests, wildlife sanctuaries and hilly terrains. To protect the region's ecological integrity, ECoR is constructing seven tunnels (totaling 12.7 km), including the longest at 4.18 km as well as wildlife passages and viaducts for safe animal movement. The project features an environment-sensitive design aimed at minimising deforestation and saving nearly 2 lakh trees. A major engineering highlight of the project is 4.77 km long viaduct being constructed near the proposed Bhrutang Irrigation Project reservoir. Upon completion, it will become the second longest railway bridge in India, after Bogibeel Bridge in Assam. With a focus on sustainable development and passenger-centric infrastructure, the Khurda Road–Bolangir railway project is set to transform connectivity in Odisha while setting new benchmarks in eco-friendly rail construction.
The Hindu
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Waltair Division shines at All India Hindi Drama Competition, gets third prize
Waltair Division represented the East Coast Railway (ECoR) at the prestigious All India Hindi Drama Competition held in Bhusawal recently and the team clinched third place. Selected and nominated by the ECoR, the Waltair Division drama troupe delivered a captivating performance of the play 'Aakhein', an emotional and thought-provoking depiction of societal behavior. The drama tells the story of a man born blind who, with the help and support of visually impaired beggars, undergoes an eye operation. However, after regaining his sight, he turns unethical towards those who stood by him, highlighting complex human emotions and social dynamics. The powerful narrative was brought to life by a talented nine-member cast whose compelling enactment stole the spotlight and won widespread acclaim from judges and audiences alike. The award was presented by Dharmaveer Meena, General Manager of Central Railway, in recognition of their outstanding performance. Expressing his pride and congratulations, General Manager East Coast Railway Parmeshwar Funkwal, Divisional Railway Manager Lalit Bohra, ADRM Operations Manoj Kumar Sahoo, ADRM Infra E Santharam, along with other senior officers, extended their best wishes to the team for their remarkable achievement.
New Indian Express
28-04-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
ECoR GM inspects railway facilities in West Odisha
BHUBANESWAR: East Coast Railway (ECoR) general manager Parmeshwar Funkwal on Saturday conducted a comprehensive inspection of critical rail infrastructure and traffic facility works across the Sambalpur-Jharsuguda railway section in western Odisha. The inspection was conducted at Jharsuguda Road, Brundamal, Lapanga and Sarla stations with a review of ongoing projects and railway sidings that support the region's industrial growth. Key projects including BPSL siding at Lapanga, Jharsuguda Road station, Brundamal-Jharsuguda flyover, MAVB siding at Brundamal and Sarla freight examination depot were inspected. The newly commissioned freight train examination and routine overhauling (ROH) facility at Sarla station will handle 90 to 100 train examinations and 100 wagon ROHs per month. It will reduce turnaround time for bogie tank alumina powder (BTAP) wagons by 30 per cent and enhance freight handling capacity and safety. Divisional railway manager of Sambalpur division Subash C Chaudhary was among the officials present.
