The 77th Republic Day was celebrated at Madurai Division of Southern Railway with the unfurling of the National Flag and a ceremonial parade. Shri Om Prakash Meena, Divisional Railway Manager, Madurai Division, addressed the gathering and conveyed Republic Day greetings while presenting the Division’s performance during the financial year 2025–26 upto December 2025. The celebrations included a march-past by Railway Protection Force personnel and students, cultural programmes by Railway School students, and a dog show by the Railway Protection Force.
The function was attended by Shri L. N. Rao, Additional Divisional Railway Manager, Shri K. Hari Kumar, Chief Project Manager (Gati Shakti), along with officers and staff of Madurai Division.
In his address, the DRM stated that Madurai Division achieved total earnings of ₹1,026 crore up to December 2025, registering a 12% increase over the corresponding period of the previous year. Passenger revenue stood at ₹658 crore, goods revenue at ₹296 crore, while sundry revenue increased to ₹27 crore, registering a growth of 35%, reflecting consistent improvement across passenger, freight and non-fare revenue streams.
Following the financial performance, the DRM stated that Madurai Division served 36.8 million passengers during the year up to December 2025. Operational performance remained robust, with 22,648 Mail/Express trains operated at 97.05% punctuality upto December 2025 and 15,619 Passenger trains achieving 98.49% punctuality, securing the second position in punctuality across Indian Railways. To meet peak and festival demand, 895 Train-on-Demand special trains were also operated during the period from April to December 2025.
On railway maintenance and safety, the DRM stated that upto December 2025,the Division carried out complete track renewal over 63 km, deep screening of 118 km of plain track and 82 points and crossings, and eliminated 3 level crossing gates by providing subways, thereby strengthening safety and reliability.
On station redevelopment and infrastructure, the DRM highlighted steady progress of major projects, including the ₹413 crore Madurai Station redevelopment, ₹112 crore Rameswaram Station redevelopment, and the award of the ₹100 crore Tirunelveli Station redevelopment project. Out of 17 Amrit Bharat stations, works at Karaikudi, Sholavandan, Srivilliputhur and Manapparai have been completed and are ready for inauguration, while the remaining stations are scheduled for completion by May 2026. The Division also achieved 100% electrification with the commissioning of the Ramanathapuram–Rameswaram section.
After outlining infrastructure development, the DRM stated that Madurai Division ranked first among all divisions of Indian Railways in freight train speed upto December 2025, achieving an average speed of 39.58 kmph. The Division handled 2.61 million tonnes of freight till December 2025, registering a 21.48% increase over the previous year, supported by key projects such as yard remodelling and double-line commissioning.
The DRM appreciated the dedicated efforts of officers and staff and acknowledged the constructive support of trade unions and associations in maintaining harmonious industrial relations. He called upon all employees to continue their commitment towards safety, efficiency and excellence in service to the nation.
The Republic Day programme concluded with a colourful cultural programme by Railway School students.