Salem Railway Division to get 68 subways

The new subways would be constructed at a cost ranging from Rs. 1.5 crore to Rs. 2 crore each.

As many as 68 subways have been sanctioned for the division of which 28 would be completed this financial year, Sujatha Jayaraj, Salem Divisional Railway Manager said here on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters at the new divisional office premises, she said currently, there were 99 unmanned level crossings in the division and the new subways would be constructed at a cost ranging from Rs. 1.5 crore to Rs. 2 crore each.

“Works for nine subways have already been completed,” she added.

She said construction of subway and installation of escalator at Coimbatore Railway Junction would be completed by the end of September.

Foot-over-bridge

“Work to construct foot-over-bridge and lift facility at Salem Railway Junction is nearing completion,” she added. When asked about running of additional passenger trains on the Salem – Karur sector, she said shortage of coaches was a problem.

Meanwhile, officials said construction of subways were part of the Southern Railway’s plan to phase out unmanned level crossings to prevent fatalities as accidents occurred due to the carelessness of people while crossing the railway tracks.

“Road-over-bridges cannot be constructed at all places and hence subway was the option’, they told The Hindu .

Later, she chaired the 10 Divisional Railway User’s Consultative Committee (DRUCC) meeting that was convened for the first time after it was newly constituted with 16 members.

R. Raveendran from Coimbatore sought installation of a digital coach guidance system and online reservation facility for retiring rooms at Coimbatore Junction. U.K. Sivagnanam also from Coimbatore, wanted stoppage of the Coimbatore – Mettupalayam passenger train at Thudiyalur station as well as FOB’s in Singanallur and Irugur.

A. Jayaseelan, representing Salem Chamber of Commerce, wanted stoppage of the Salem – Egmore train at Shevapet Market Station and also railway wagons to cater the needs of small traders.

V. Thavamani Pandi, Additional Divisional Railway Manager, K.P. Damodaran, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager and members participated.