Escalator work reaches final stage

Installation of an escalator at the railway junction here has entered the final stage and the project is expected to be completed in a couple of months.

The lengthy escalator with a chain of footsteps has been brought to Tiruchi junction for installation to connect platforms 2 and 3.

It would be a replacement for footsteps towards the Chennai side and meant for climbing and not alighting. The footsteps towards the Madurai side connecting platforms 2 and 3 would however remain.

The project was kick-started in June when civil work commenced with the removal of footsteps to pave the way for the installation of the escalator.

A portion of the subway leading to platforms 2 and 3 was closed for rail travellers’ movement to carry out the civil work.

The project was taken up with funds provided by DMK Rajya Sabha member Tiruchi Siva under the MP Local Area Development scheme.

Officials say the aim was to complete the project by November or even before that. The commissioning of the escalator would greatly reduce the hardships faced by passengers while boarding trains from platforms 2 and 3 as these two platforms accommodated more trains passing through Tiruchi and those originating from the station.

The railway junction has in all seven platforms with platform 1 accommodating important trains including the Chennai-bound Rockfort express.