Tamil Nadu - Tirunelveli   

Rs. 16.56-crore development works under way at Tirunelveli junction

Staff Reporter

— Photo: A. Shaikmohideen

DISCUSSING A POINT: Minister of State for Railways R. Velu, with Madurai Divisional Railway Manager Hemant Kumar, during the inspection of the ongoing gauge conversion work of Tirunelveli - Tiruchendur metre gauge section on Sunday.

TIRUNELVELI: Tirunelveli Railway Junction is all set for a major transformation in the next few months as development works to the tune of Rs. 16.56 crore are under way.

Minister of State for Railways R. Velu told reporters here on Sunday that a new passenger reservation system was being established at a cost of Rs. 29 lakh.

Two pit lines to maintain 24 coaches were being created at an outlay of Rs. 5.05 crore and ‘running staff room’ for engine drivers with 27 rooms with indoor games and yoga and other recreational facilities were coming up, he said. Mr. Velu was here to inspect the gauge conversion work on the Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli section.

Creation of new ‘circulating area’ on the northern side of the railway junction, widening of the road leading to the ‘circulating area,’ construction of new foot overbridges, elevation of platforms and platform shelters are also being taken up.

Modular shops and Internet Café were coming up at Rs. 27.50 lakh and VIP lounge and air-conditioned waiting halls were being established at an outlay of Rs. 21 lakh, Mr. Velu said.

The Minister said Rs. 5 crore-worth proposals for establishment of coaches’ maintenance shed, examination pit with heavy duty flooring and installation of gantry cranes with the capacity of 30 tonnes had been forwarded to the Ministry.

Tirunelveli–Tiruchendur Broad Gauge would be commissioned in December this year after inspection by Safety Commissioner in November. Chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance Sonia Gandhi and Railway Minister Lalu Prasad would participate in the inauguration of the Madurai–Rameswaram BG sector to be held soon. Mr. Velu said the Union Planning Commission, which had given its nod for the second BG line between Chengalpattu and Villupuram to be laid at a cost of Rs. 250 crore, had turned down the Railway Ministry’s proposal for the second BG line between Villupuram and Dindigul, citing low projected revenue.

“However, we are trying our level best to persuade the Planning Commission,” he said. The Divisional Railway Manager, Madurai, Hemant Kumar, was present.

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