The Salem Divisional Rail Users’ Consultative Committee (DRUCC) meeting held here on Tuesday witnessed demands for more amenities and trains.
Hari Shankar Verma, Divisional Railway Manager, presided over the meeting.
The DRM said that the cleanliness of toilets and bed rolls in Cheran and Kongu express trains were found wanting and the contracts have been terminated. On overcharging by vendors in stations, Mr. Verma said that during a recent meeting with the catering contractors, he has fixed the deadline for correcting such practices by July 10, beyond which, if such incidents were noticed, the licences would be cancelled and stalls would be closed.
P. Rajendran of Mettupalayam pleaded for steps to renovate Thudiyalur and Periyanaickenpalayam stations. The DRM replied that the works for development of these stations have already been taken up and once the new station buildings are in place, all required facilities will be provided.
He sought the help of State government agencies for the removal of encroachments in Mettupalayam Station, to enable taking up the platform extension works.
C. Balasubramanian of Coimbatore raised the issue of introduction of overnight train between Coimbatore and Bengaluru. The DRM said that requests have been sent to the competent authority in this regard.
On upgrading Peelamedu Railway station as a model station, DRM said that estimates have already been drawn and he requested the members to help railways mobilise funds with assistance from Corporates .
On upgrading Coimbatore North Railway Station, as a terminal junction, it was clarified that unless the goods shed is shifted to Irugur station, not much development can be taken up there. He solicited help from members to mobilise public opinion in favour of shifting the goods shed to Irugur.
On a question for improving Coimbatore junction with facilities for differently abled persons, DRM clarified that already an audit has been taken up with the assistance of an NGO and shortly Coimbatore junction will be made differently abled passenger-friendly.
J. V. Sureshkumar pleaded for introduction of battery car services in Tirupur station. Mr. Verma clarified that some companies have come up for sponsoring the battery cars without the service of a driver. He also assured him that the request for air-conditioned dormitory rooms will be considered positively.
The DRM said that already eight trains have been ordered to be stopped in Tirupur for five minutes.
