Palakkad Division of Southern Railway celebrated its achievements at the 71st Railway Week Celebrations, where it was bestowed with several efficiency awards, during a special gathering held at the Divisional Railway Manager’s (DRM) Office in Palakkad on Monday, June 15.

DRM Madhukar Roat, Additional DRM Jerin G. Anand, branch officers, supervisors and staff members attended the programme to celebrate the division’s performance and to acknowledge the collective efforts of employees that led to the division securing multiple awards at the Railway Week Celebrations held in Chennai on June 11.

Among the major honours received by the Division were the General Manager’s Inter-Divisional Overall Efficiency Shield, shared with Thiruvananthapuram Division, the Security Efficiency Shield, the Signal & Telecommunication Efficiency Shield, the Accounts Efficiency Shield, the Rail Madad Performance Shield, the Inter-Divisional Cleanliness Shield for Palakkad Junction Railway Station, and the Best Family Welfare Centre Award.

Mr. Roat congratulated officers and staff for their dedication, professionalism, and teamwork. He said the awards reflected the commitment shown by employees across all departments and reaffirmed the division’s continued focus on safety, security, passenger service and operational excellence.

The DRM later told reporters that the Security Efficiency Shield reflected the exceptional work carried out by the Railway Protection Force in ensuring passenger safety. Initiatives such as assistance to women passengers under Meri Saheli, recovery of lost property through Operation Amanat, rescue and rehabilitation activities, anti-narcotics operations and strengthening of surveillance systems contributed significantly to this achievement.

Mr. Roat also pointed out that Palakkad Junction Railway Station secured the Cleanliness Shield for the second consecutive year. Mechanised cleaning, scientific waste processing, and modern sanitation infrastructure played a key role in enhancing passenger experience.

On achievements in technology and operations, he noted that Palakkad Division recorded substantial improvements in signalling performance, including a significant reduction in signalling failures and the maintenance of a strong safety record. Modernisation initiatives, including electronic interlocking systems and upgraded passenger information systems, have further strengthened operational reliability.

The Accounts Efficiency Shield, won after a gap of nearly a decade, was cited as a notable achievement reflecting strong financial management, improved bill recoveries, efficient pension settlement and prudent financial monitoring. The Rail Madad Performance Shield further underscored the division’s commitment to prompt grievance redressal and passenger-centric service delivery.