Indian Railway Commissions VT Despite Revenue Losses

Though taking a big revenue hit during the 2020-2021 pandemic, India’s South Central Railway Vijayawada division was able to commission new vertical-transportation (VT) units, The New Indian Express reported on April 10. A total of Rs 2,494 crore revenue was earned by the division, against Rs 5,000 crore earned during 2019-20. Disclosing the details, Divisional Railway Manager P. Srinivas said that of the total revenue earned, Rs 2,197 crore was earned through the transportation of goods — 21% less than the previous year’s transport earnings of Rs 2,812 crore. In spite of these challenges, the division noted that nine lifts and two escalators were commissioned during the year, giving the division a total of 40 lifts and 20 escalators. Also, nine foot-over-bridges were commissioned at various stations, and seating capacity at the Vijayawada Railway Station was enhanced by 200. Other improvements include new sanitization kiosks and passenger-information displays.