Doubling Ponmalai-Thanjavur track taken up

The Construction Organisation of the Railways has called for tenders for the track doubling work between Ponmalai and Thanjavur.

Tenders have been called for the first two block sections and doubling work would be taken up as soon as the estimate is sanctioned, which is expected to happen soon, Manjula Rangarajan, Divisional Railway Manager, said during her Republic Day address at the Kallukkuzhi Railway ground here on Saturday.

Referring to the track doubling work between Valadi and Kallakkudi Palanganatham on the Tiruchi - Vriddhachalam - Villupuram chord line section, is nearing completion, she said.

Explaining the robust performance of the division, the DRM said the cumulative earnings of the division has touched Rs.538.31 crore in the last nine months against Rs.429.84 crore earned during the corresponding period of last financial year showing an increase of 25 per cent.

From the passenger front, the division has earned Rs.168.21 crore compared to the corresponding period earnings of Rs.148.13 crore in the last financial year showing an increase of almost 14 per cent. From the freight business the Division has earned Rs.335.13 crore in the last nine months (current financial year) against Rs.252.26 crore earned in the corresponding period of last financial year, which shows an increase of 33 per cent.

The work of setting up the Rail Museum is also progressing briskly.

The division is planning to throw open one phase of it in the near future, Ms. Rangarajan said.

During the current financial year two new trains were introduced in the division, Mannargudi – Tirupathi tri-weekly express and Tiruchi – Tirunelveli intercity express. The extension of Dadar – Yesvanthpur Chalukya Express (tri-weekly) to Puducherry is another achievement of the division in the current financial year.

In order to provide comfortable travel to passengers the division has been fumigating air conditioned coaches frequently to get rid of pests. Also the division has taken up campaigns and road shows to generate awareness amongst public to enlist their assistance in keeping railway premises and coaches clean.

Earlier, Mrs. Manjula Rangarajan unfurled the National Flag and accepted guard of honour given by the Railway Protection Force.