Statistical Organization

The Statistical Organization is under the administrative control of FA&CAO/T, Sr.AFA/Stat & TC in Sr. Scale, and ministerial staff at Hqrs. The Statistical Organization furnishes vital information to enable the management in decision-making.

Object of Statistical Organization:

Railway statistics are gathered for specific purposes, focusing on quantity, distance, duration, and service factors [1]. These statistics, particularly transport and commercial data, are crucial for reflecting transport outputs, earnings, operational efficiency, and asset utilization

Statistics depict the trend in performance, assist in increasing Gross Earnings, and help eliminate waste and enhance the efficiency of Railways. They highlight the railway's performance with comparative and target data, allowing for concentrated managerial attention on areas that need improvement.

Performance:

(a) Quantitative: Besides preparing the Tri-monthly Gross Earnings statement, the Statistical Organization publishes 79 Statements/Reports of different periodicity each year. The breakdown includes 20 monthly, 8 quarterly, and 51 annual Statistical Statements. These are compiled in a prescribed format and sent to the Railway Board and various levels of management for review. These statements are used to help with the preparation of Budget estimates, Revision of estimates, and estimation of traffic trends and asset utilization.

(b) Qualitative: To help management monitor the system's performance and take effective steps for improvements against targets, the branch undertakes the compilation, publication, and distribution of books on various selected statistical results. These include "Summary of domestic statistics Part I Traffic Operation," "Part II/A Mechanical / Electrical (operating)," and "Part II B & C, fuel and Lubricants." The Statistical Branch also publishes the GM's Annual Report, which covers the performance of the Zonal Railway for the year.

Statistical results reflect all facets of the railway's operations. The compilation on a periodical basis not only provides ready information for a given period but also enables analysis, which is the main function of this branch. This analysis helps in taking remedial and corrective action in various fields of operation to bring about desired changes. Statistical data, such as that listed in the "pocket book of Facts & Figures," gives detailed facts about all departments over a five-year period, aiding in resource utilization. Therefore, the Statistical Reports and statements issued by the Statistical Branch serve as a vital input for the Management Information System (MIS).

The General Manager's Annual Narrative Report, detailing the home Railway's performance and development works, is also published. Additionally, Statistical Highlights of the home Railway and all India details for five years are published annually.

Traffic Costing Cell

The Traffic Costing Cell in SWR (South Western Railway) operates with the available staff of the Statistical Branch, without dedicated Traffic Costing Inspectors. However, the Statistical Branch of this Railway has collaborated with the Traffic Costing Cell of South Central Railway. As a result of this coordination, reports on Cost Analysis of Goods services, Coaching services, and shunting services are submitted to the Railway Board periodically. This information is used for the preparation of an "end results booklet" containing the unit costs for various aspects of train operations.