The SER has also achieved the best operating ratio in the country at 54.8 per cent and has generated a surplus exceeding 45 per cent.

The SER, which will begin the 53rd Railway Week celebrations from Friday, has improved its services in ticket vending system, accessibility and cleanliness.

The projects such as the broad gauge conversion of the Bakura- Rajnagar line and the Baripada- Bhanjpur have resulted in better connectivity.

“The year has been a year of high achievements given the targets,” said AK Jain, General Manager of SER.

“The credit for these accomplishments goes to the workers of SER, without whose efforts and hard work nothing could have been achieved,” he said.

The SER has also achieved 12 per cent growth in freight loading and 21 per cent in parcel.

With projects worth Rs 3,000 crores have already been sanctioned and the outlay for this financial year has been fixed at Rs. 569 crores, the railway officials said that it would be used to upgrade facilities for passengers and for improving freight movement.

Though targets for the next financial year have not been set yet, Jain said that he is hopeful of reducing the operating ratio to 50 per cent.

The recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission have, however, not brought cheer to SER officials.