(with pic by Moorthy)
Madurai Railway Division has eliminated at the unmanned level crossings as a measure of enhancing railway safety, Divisional Railway Manager Neenu Ittyerah, said.
After unfurling the national flag here on Saturday, she said that all the 113 unmanned level crossing gates were eliminated by creating sub-ways, through manning and diversion by September. The passenger traffic in the division has grown by 17.3% in terms of number of passengers and 13.8% increase in passenger earnings.
Lifts for the benefit of the aged people will be provided at 16 stations in the next fiscal, she added. The coaches of Pearl City express will be upgraded under Utkrisht project. Under the Green initiative of the division is setting up of five wind mills near Vanchi Maniyachi. Railway Energy Management Company Limited will install the the windmills with a capacity of 2.1 mega watt.
Sanction has been provided for constructing a new Pamban railway Bridge at a cost of ₹ 250 crore. Similarly, sanction has been received to re-build the railway line to Dhanuskodi, at a cost of ₹208 crore. The work of improving passenger experience with improved amenities at Madurai and Rameswaram railway stations will be completed by February.
The highlight of the Republic Day celebration was hoisting the national flag at a 100-feet high mast in front of Madurai Junction Railway station.
Besides opening 20 new catering stalls at 13 stations, efforts have been taken to provide another 51 new catering stalls at 37 stations in the division.
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