GM SCOR REVIEWS PASSENGER AMENITIES AND SARIKA AI SYSTEM AT VISAKHAPATNAM RAILWAY STATION Shri Sandeep Mathur, General Manager, South Coast Railway (SCoR), inspected various passenger amenities and facilities at Visakhapatnam Railway Station today, accompanied by Shri Lalit Bohra, Divisional Railway Manager, Visakhapatnam, and senior railway officials. During the inspection, the General Manager reviewed the availability and functioning of passenger facilities and held discussions with officials on measures to further enhance passenger convenience and improve the overall station experience. A key highlight of the inspection was the demonstration of Sarika AI, an Artificial Intelligence-based passenger enquiry and assistance system developed jointly by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), Ninja Media AI Ad Tech Pvt. Ltd., and the Commercial Department of Visakhapatnam Division. The prototype is being developed and demonstrated under a pilot project. Sarika AI enables passengers to interact through natural voice-based communication and access information on train arrivals and departures, platform numbers, train running status, delays, coach positions and other railway-related services. It also provides information on station facilities, including ticket and reservation counters, waiting halls, cloak rooms, lifts, escalators, foot overbridges, medical assistance, drinking water, washrooms, food courts, parking and wheelchair assistance. Designed to support nine languages, the system aims to make railway information more accessible to passengers from diverse linguistic backgrounds. It is available in both humanoid and kiosk formats, allowing deployment at suitable locations across the station. During the inspection, Shri Sandeep Mathur suggested several user-friendly modifications to make passenger interaction with the system more convenient and effective. The suggested improvements will be examined for further incorporation. Sarika AI is currently being implemented in Phase-I, which focuses on prototype development and demonstration. Phase-II envisages integration of the system with the RailOne App, further expanding its potential as a digital passenger assistance platform.

GM SCOR REVIEWS SAFETY PREPAREDNESS, EMPHASISES MAINTENANCE, MONSOON READINESS AND LEVEL CROSSING SAFETY General Manager, South Coast Railway (SCoR), Shri Sandeep Mathur, chaired a comprehensive Safety Review Meeting with Principal Heads of Departments and Divisional Railway Managers of all four divisions. The meeting focused on strengthening railway safety through robust maintenance practices, monsoon preparedness and effective management of Level Crossing (LC) gates. The review adopted a preventive and asset-management approach, with emphasis on identifying potential risks and taking timely corrective action before they lead to incidents. Shri Mathur directed all departments and divisions to maintain constant vigilance and ensure that prescribed safety protocols are effectively implemented at the field level. Officials were instructed to closely monitor the condition of tracks, signalling and telecommunication systems, electrical installations, bridges, yards, points and crossings, drainage systems and other critical railway assets. Regular inspections, systematic preventive maintenance and prompt rectification of deficiencies were stressed. Field personnel were also advised to identify early signs of deterioration and ensure that all maintenance activities are carried out strictly in accordance with prescribed standards and schedules. Reviewing preparedness for the ongoing monsoon season, the General Manager directed officials to maintain close surveillance of vulnerable locations, waterlogging-prone areas, drainage systems, cuttings, bridges, yards and other critical assets. He stressed the need for adequate drainage and efficient water-evacuation arrangements to prevent water accumulation around tracks, Road Under Bridges (RUBs) and railway installations. The meeting concluded with directions to all concerned departments and divisions to strengthen safety monitoring, enhance maintenance standards and ensure strict implementation of preventive measures, particularly during the monsoon season. Effective management and safety at Level Crossing gates were also emphasised as an important component of the overall safety strategy.