Special Correspondent
Pune : On January 3, 2025, Dharam Veer Meena, the General Manager of Central Railway, conducted an extensive safety inspection of the Manmad-Daund section in the Pune Division. The inspection began with a high-speed run on the Yeola-Kopargaon stretch, followed by a detailed examination of key areas along the route.
The General Manager inspected Curve no. 141 on the UP direction between kms 456/427 to 455/707, the Left-Hand Side (LHS) on the Kopargaon-Kanhegaon section, and the Godavari Bridge no. 439/1 at kms 439/3-7 between Kanhegaon and Puntamba stations.
At Puntamba station, a major junction for Shirdi-bound trains, he reviewed the Lobby, Running Room, ASM Panel Room, Relay Room, and Electronic Interlocking installation.
As part of the Innovations on Display, Meena also checked Small Track Machines and Ultrasonic Flaw Detection machines. The RPF dog squad, Chetak and Vardhan, showcased their narcotics detection capabilities, which are being successfully deployed in the field. Additionally, he inspected the Overhead Equipment Gang and the fully-equipped Gang Hut.
The General Manager further examined Road Under Bridge no. 56 at kms 430/33-31 on the Puntamba-Chitali section, focusing on the regular maintenance of height gauges for bridge and train safety. He also inspected Level Crossing (LC) no. 51 at kms 420/3-1 on the Chitali-Belapur section and the interlocking of LC.
A high-speed run reaching 130 km/h was conducted on the Belapur-Padhegaon section. Meena also inspected the Traction Sub Station and the newly commissioned 10 KWP Solar Plant at Padhegaon. His inspection continued with a review of Mula Bridge no. 390/1 on the Rahuri-Vambori section and LC no. 30 on the Vilad-Nimbalk section.
At Ahmednagar station, the General Manager checked the Running Room and Crew Lobby. He also interacted with Hon’ble MP Nilesh Lanke, assuring a resolution to local issues raised by the MP. The inspection concluded with a high-speed run between Belvandi and Shrigonda Road stations.
Meena remotely operationalized the 418.56 KWP Solar Plant at the Routine Overhaul (ROH) Shed at Daund and the Sahyadri Club auditorium. He also reviewed ongoing works under the Amrit Station Scheme at Ahmednagar station and emphasized the priority completion of passenger amenities.
Throughout the inspection, the General Manager engaged with public representatives and union leaders to address concerns, and he interacted with ground-level staff to highlight the importance of safe train operations and operational efficiency.
Indu Dubey, Divisional Railway Manager of Pune Division, along with Principal Heads of Departments and senior officers from both Headquarters and Pune Division, accompanied Meena during the inspection.
