The Hindu : Front Page : Conversion of broad gauge platforms will ease congestion

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Sunday, Jul 20, 2008
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Conversion of broad gauge platforms will ease congestion

Syed Muthahar Saqaf

Expected to be ready by 2009 at Tiruchi Railway Junction

TIRUCHI: By converting two more unused metre gauge platforms into broad gauge standards, divisional railway authorities hope that congestion at Tiruchi Junction will be eased in future.

At present, the junction has five broad gauge platforms, which get congested especially during peak hours, causing hardship to passengers.

There have been complaints of congestion with increasing passenger traffic year after year.

The works on the conversion of MG platforms 6 and 7 into BG standards at a cost of Rs.50 lakh have already commenced and these platforms are expected to be ready by 2009, say officials.

Despite conversion of other metre gauge platforms into broad gauge standards, platforms 6 and 7 remained untouched for long and were not in use.

Now, both these platforms will be extended to a length of 540 metres each to accommodate trains with 24 coaches.

Special facilities

They will have special facilities such as drinking water booths, one for every two coaches, to enable travelling public get potable water without any difficulty.

The platforms will have concrete flooring and will be opened after obtaining the nod from the Commissioner of Railway Safety, say the officials.

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