In a significant first step towards streamlining railway operations in the region, Shri Rajneesh Aggarwal, the newly appointed Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of the Prayagraj Division, conducted an extensive inspection of the Operation Control Centre (OCC) on 18th June, 2025. Welcomed by Shri Mannu Prakash Dubey, AGM/ OP&BD/EDFC, Shri Aggarwal’s visit underscored the Division's commitment to leveraging advanced technology for safe and efficient train management.

Accompanied by key officials including Shri Naveen Prakash, A.D.R.M of Infra, and Shri Akanshu Govil, Senior Divisional Operations Manager (Coordination), Shri Aggarwal toured the OCC, gaining insights into the crucial operations involved in train management. His exploration included train reception procedures at pivotal stations such as New Sonnagar, New Chirailapauthu, and New Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction, highlighting the integral role these hubs play in the railway network.

Understanding the intricacies of train operations is vital for our ongoing commitment to safety and efficiency expressed Shri Aggarwal during his visit. He engaged in fruitful discussions with officers at OCC-PRYJ Eastern Central Railway, North Central Railway, Northern Railway, and WDFC, emphasizing collaborative efforts and streamlined communication between different divisions to enhance operational efficiency.

We are on a path of progress, and it is essential to focus on our loading goals to support the growing demand for rail transport remarked Shri Aggarwal. His concerns regarding loadings in the Dhanbad division highlighted the need for strategic planning and infrastructure improvements to support these targets and EDFC has a greater role in achieving these targets.

Furthermore, Shri Aggarwal introduced discussions about upcoming connections, including the imminent link between New Dagmagpur station and the Chopan area via Vishwanathpuri. He emphasized the importance of establishing surface crossings to minimize traffic disruptions, indicating a forward-thinking approach to enhance operational efficiency. We cannot overlook the need for robust infrastructure to facilitate seamless train operations, he noted.

During the inspection, he praised the expertise of the Controllers at the Operation Control Centre, commending their dedication and efforts to achieve new milestones in railway operations. “The performance metrics from our advanced technology systems, including the Hot Axle Box Detector, Machine Vision Inspection System (MVIS), and Wheel Impact Load Detector (WILD), are promising. This reflects our commitment to safety,” he added.

The inspection also saw the participation of officials from DFCCIL, including Shri Vivek, Deputy General Manager, Traction and Rolling Staff , Chief Controller Shri Brijesh Smith, who provided insights into the collaborative framework between the divisions. The visit culminated in a positive atmosphere at the OCC, with the team reflecting on their shared commitment to excellence in train operations.

In conclusion, Shri Rajneesh Aggarwal’s inspection of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor, Operation Control Centre marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of enhanced railway efficiency and safety. His proactive approach to addressing operational challenges and fostering collaboration across divisions sets a promising precedent for the future of rail transport in the region. As the national transporter gears up for ambitious growth targets, the leadership and initiatives demonstrated may well pave the way for a more efficient and reliable railway network.

Operationalisation of New Running Room at New Kanpur

In a noteworthy development, the new running facility at New Kanpur was operationalized on the same day, providing essential resting accommodations for crew members. This new facility significantly reduces pre-departure and post-arrival detention, thereby enhancing the overall well-being of our running staff, said Shri Aggarwal. A well-rested crew is crucial for ensuring safe train operations.

Source/RSB