Temporary and partial diversion of trains from, to and passing through the Coimbatore Railway Junction to Coimbatore North Station and Podanur Railway Station began on Thursday. Many trains touching the junction are being diverted in view of the elimination of the two scissor crossings close to the Coimbatore Railway Junction. The work on the tracks will continue till September 6.
On Thursday, trains were diverted from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, they will be diverted from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Announcements were made at railway stations in Salem Division , and boards with the rescheduled time and destinations were also prominently displayed. Railway officials were present at the North and Podanur stations to ensure that required arrangements were in place. . A help desk was also set up. Adequate water bottles, food packets and snacks were also taken to the stations as they witnessed a sudden increase in passenger flow.
Railway officials said that the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation would be operating four special buses from Podanur Railway Station to the bus stand on Mettupalayam Road – through the Railway Junction, Gandhipuram and the North Railway Station. More buses would be operated, if needed.
Through Railways made arrangements to keep the public informed about the diversion of trains and passenger amenities, there was some confusion at the railway stations. A few people missed their trains.
Passengers faced some inconvenience trying to enter and exit North Railway Station as the gate was locked. They had to use a narrow opening by the side of the gate through which only one person could pass through at a time. So, there were long lines on either side waiting to do that. Due to inadequate pedestrian bridges, hundreds of passengers were forced to cross the tracks to reach Gandhipuram and Mettupalayam Road on either side of North Railway Station. However, railway police personnel were present there to warn them about approaching trains.
