The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Railway gate closure: forum suggests alternatives

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Friday, Jun 29, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Railway gate closure: forum suggests alternatives

Special Correspondent

CUDDALORE: With a view to resolve the controversy over the proposed permanent closure of the railway gate on Lawrence Road here, the Cuddlier District Consumer Protection Organisation has suggested construction of two subways — one for the pedestrians and another for heavy vehicles at different places.

In a representation addressed to the Railway Minister, general secretary of the organisation M. Nizamudeen said that as part of the gauge conversion project, it had become inevitable to extend the platform of the Thirupadiripuliyur railway station to accommodate larger trains.

This called for permanent closure of the railway gate, located on the eastern side the railway station and at the main commercial hub of Cuddlier town. The traders had therefore voiced their objections to the closure and suggested an alternative. Mr. Nizamudeen noted that once the gate was closed, the commuters and traders would face difficulty.

Hence, the Railways could consider setting up of a pedestrian subway on the Lawrence Road and a bigger subway for the passage of heavy vehicles at the Khammiampettai railway gate situated on the western side of the station.

He pointed out that already a link road had been formed, connecting the Anna bridge on Lawrence Road to Khammiampettai and hence, the proposal would be viable.

As a prelude, the district administration should clear all encroachments in the vicinity of the Thirupadiripuliyur railway station.

Administration faulted

Mr. Nizamudeen faulted the district and railway administrations for not having taken into confidence the consumer activists and representatives of general public.

He called upon the authorities to ascertain the views of the cross sections of society to evolve a strategy by taking into consideration the long-term requirements of the town.

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