Soon, entraining and detraining at Thirumayilai MRTS will be easier, for the Engineering Works Department of the Southern Railway has got down to the work of reducing the gap between the footboards and the platform for trains heading towards Velachery.
“We are carrying out the work for a distance of 60 meters of the platform, mainly towards the end where the gap is quite wide,” said an official of the Department.
Once the work is completed, the height of the platform is expected to increase by four to six inches.
The wide gap between the footboard and platform has been a complaint for many commuters, especially senior citizens and children, who use the MRTS.
“It is difficult to climb as well as get down the train due to the wide gap,” says C. Meenakshi who travels to Kasturba Nagar station regularly.
Another commuter V. Malar says this can prove dangerous during rush hour when people hustle others on their way out of the train.
The work on increasing the height of the platform is being done in phases such that it does not cause any inconvenience to the public.
“As per the standard, the gap between the rail level and platform should be 84 cm. If the rails are not maintained properly, the gap widens. At Thirumayilai station, there was a difference of 12-15 cms,” said an engineer. The gap difference is greatly felt ever since six-car rakes were extended to nine-car.
Some commuters say at a stretch at the Chintadripet station too, there is a wide gap.
The Department is planning to increase the height of the platform at a section of the Chepauk MRTS too.
