PTI

Chennai: With the unprecedented boom in the passenger traffic, Southern Railways has earned Rs2065.19 crore during 2007-08, registering a growth of 21.16% compared with previous year earning of Rs1,704.54 crore.

The overall passenger traffic was also increased to 620.7 million in 2007-08, registering a growth of 10% compared with previous year, a Southern Railway press release said here today.

Following the increase in passenger traffic, SR has adopted a new strategy to increase the number of train services and has already introduced as many as 21 new trains in 2007-08.

A number of new suburban services were also introduced in Chennai city taking advantage of the growth in population and increasing urban sprawl.

Two significant milestones in the improvement in suburban services were the introduction of broad gauge EMU services and extension of Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS).

In order to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by extra rush of passengers during weekends, festivals and block holidays, SR has systematically attached extra coaches to various trains.

The running of special trains to cater to the needs of passengers, especially during holidays and festivals, also contributed revenue.

Since April 2008, SR had deployed 907 special trains and with the announcement of the Ramzan/Dusserah specials, this would increase to 959, the release added.