The Tiruchi Railway Division has decided to eliminate 42 unmanned level crossings falling under its jurisdiction during the current fiscal.
The unmanned crossings identified in different sections would either be manned or converted into limited use subways to avoid accidents at these spots. Nine of these unmanned crossings would be converted into limited use subways and 30 others would be converted into manned ones.
Three other unmanned crossing would be closed by diversion of the road to the adjacent level crossing as the train vehicle units at these places were found to be minimal.
Majority of the unmanned crossings identified for manning were in the main line section (Villupuram to Thanjavur via Chidambaram, Mayiladuthurai and Kumbakonam).
Of the nine unmanned crossings identified for conversion into limited use subways, five were in the Villupuram – Katpadi section and the remaining four in the Villupuram – Tiruchi chord line section.
The conversion of unmanned crossings either into limited use subways or manning was aimed at ensuring safety, Divisional Railway Manager, A.K. Agarwal told reporters here on Tuesday.
The doubling work in the 40-kilometre stretch from Vriddhachalam to Tiruvennainallur falling in the Villupuram – Tiruchi chord line section had been completed. Now, the line would be inspected by the Commissioner of Railway Safety shortly.
The portion from Valadi to Ariyalur in the Villupuram – Tiruchi chord line section had been doubled and commissioned for operation of goods and passenger traffic.
A new helpline number 138 had been made functional wherein passengers could lodge their complaints for prompt action by the railway administration.
He said Automated Ticket Vending Machines had been installed at six stations – Tiruchi, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram and Puducherry.
Earlier, Mr. Agarwal led a cleanliness awareness rally here as part of the Passenger and Customer Facilitation fortnight observed by the Ministry of Railways from May 26 to June 9. Railway employees, scouts and guides, members of St. John Ambulance Brigade and public took part in the rally.
