For the benefit of a large number of passengers, the railways would soon operate a train between Madurai and Coimbatore on the BG section, said Divisional Railway Manager Sunil Kumar Garg here on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters after two new passenger lifts were dedicated to rail users at Madurai railway station by State Minister for Cooperation Sellur K. Raju, the DRM said the new rail route from Madurai to Coimbatore would be via Dindigul, Palani, Pollachi and Pothanur. This would be ready in about two or three months, he added.
As a part of the green energy initiative, 60 railway crossings in Madurai division would have solar panels. On-board train services had been started on long-distance trains, including the bi-weekly Madurai-Dehradun-Chandigarh Express.
Railway Board had approved in principle the development of Koodal Nagar station. “Once we submit proposals, the financial allocation would be made,” he said in reply to a question.
Purified water vending machine, now available at Madurai and Tirunelveli junctions, would be installed at all ‘A’ category stations, including Rameswaram, Dindigul, Kovilpatti and Virudhunagar.
The passenger assistance desk at Madurai junction had been functioning between 7.30 p.m. and 11.30 p.m. during the peak hour traffic. Senior TTEs assisted passengers in identifying coaches, platforms and other available services like wheelchair and battery cars, he said.
The waiting hall for women passengers at Rameswaram was being readied at ₹75 lakh, and the work was nearing completion. In Tirunelveli, the air-conditioned waiting hall was ready at ₹3 lakh, Mr. Garg said.
Dindigul junction was getting three passenger lifts, and the work was in an advanced stage of completion. The new platform 1 at Dindigul station was getting ready at a cost of ₹1.3 crore, the DRM added.
