: The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme under which the Mettupalayam Railway Station awaits upgrade under second phase is to be carried out at a cost of ₹7 crore.
The scheme intending to enhance the overall passenger experience has been initiated in Coimbatore North and Podanur stations in the first phase.
A visit to Ooty for tourists is not complete without travelling in the UNESCO-certified Nilgiris Mountain Railway from the Mettupalayam Railway Station. The abundant land availability in the railway station has be optimally used to operate more express trains from the Mettupalayam Railway Station, Mettupalayam MLA A.K. Selvaraj emphasised.
During July, a new booking office constructed at a cost of ₹1.24 crores was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan. The new facility has a wide circulating-cum-parking area and three counters, including one for differently-abled persons. Two automatic ticket vending machines have also been installed at the new building to enable passengers book unreserved tickets by themselves.
Even as the Railways is preparing to celebrate the 151st year of Mettupalayam Railway Station on August 30 and 31, Mr. Selvaraj called for extension of more number of express trains bound for Coimbatore till Mettupalayam to bring about economic growth through tourism-related activities.
The expenditure that would be incurred for doubling of the Coimbatore - Mettupalayam railway line will not be a big amount for the Central Government, he said.
A pit line and a stabling line for Mettupalayam Railway Station is a necessity. The sufficient water availability at Mettupalayam must be considered in right earnest by the Railways, Mr. Selvaraj emphasised.
