The track doubling work in the Kallakudi Palanganatham-Ariyalur section is in the final stage of completion and expected to be opened shortly, said Manjula Rangarajan, Divisional Railway Manager.
At the Republic Day celebration at the Kallukuzhi ground here on Sunday, Ms. Rangarajan said the division had earned Rs. 459.38 crore for the period from April to December, 2013, out of which Rs. 139.65 crore has been through passenger earnings and Rs. 319.73 through freight loading.
The division had so far loaded 7.3 million tonnes of freight against a target of 10.6 million tonnes. In January 2014, 702 wagons were loaded on a single day which was the highest this financial year 2013-14. The division had achieved 90 per cent punctuality in mail and express, and 91.5 per cent punctuality in passenger trains during April–December 2013.
The division had taken steps towards making journey comfortable. Coach indication boards and electronic train arrival/departure boards have been installed at Kumbakonam station and Tiruchi junction. Work at Puducherry and Villupuram is under progress. Priority is also being given to improving hygiene and cleanliness in trains and stations across the division.
A new station building at Ponmalai was opened recently. Replacement of cement concrete apron on platform no.1 of Tiruchi junction was successfully completed and apron work on platform no. 4 and 5 of Villupuram junction would be taken up soon. A new approach road to Tiruchi junction was also ready and would be opened soon.
Museum nearing completion Necessary funds for the completion of heritage rail museum in Tiruchi had been received and the museum would be thrown open to the public shortly.
The DRM earlier unfurled the national flag and took the salute. Senthil Kumaresan, Senior Divisional Security Commissioner, participated.
The weapons used by the Railway Protection Force were displayed and their weaponry skills were demonstrated.
The RPF personnel also staged a skit on fire hazards and the precautions to be taken to avoid drugging of passengers by strangers. A dog show was held by the dog squad of the RPF followed by a martial arts performance by RPF personnel.
