Celebrating its 16th foundation day on Wednesday, government-run RailTel’s chief said that the company earned revenue of Rs 555 crores in the previous financial year.

RK Bahuguna, RailTel chief and managing director, said that the company managed to float profitably with “gross margin of Rs 256 crores”, even in a  competitive environment of the telecom industry.

Also present at the event held at FICCI auditorium railway minister Suresh Prabhu highlighted the prospects of RailTel in contributing to the Digital India initiative of the BJP-led NDA government.

He said, “RailTel with its 45, 000 kms optic fibres network connecting    4, 400 railway stations can play a major role in providing connectivity even in rural areas through its broadband service.”

Established in the year 2000, RailTel has provided services including broadband network, Railwire, video conferencing service, Telepresence across Indian railway network.

Offering praises, state minister for Railways Manoj Sinha said the company has been “effectively working towards fulfilling the target of providing wifi at 700 stations.”  Adding that the company should take more “proactive steps” towards expanding its network in railways, he said, “projects like mobile train radio communication, train management system, etc. shall help in improving the trains operations.”

The southern region of Indian railway was conferred with the “Best Region Award’ for its overall performance.