Murals coming up at more railway stations

Murals depicting local cultural ethos will soon adorn the walls of more railway stations falling under Tiruchi Division.

A few railway stations under the division have already received an aesthetic makeover, albeit in a small way. Now, divisional authorities have identified more railway stations such as Puducherry, Vriddhachalam, Pattukottai, Thanjavur and Srirangam to carry out the proposed beautification drive. The walls of these stations will soon be adorned with colourful and eye-catching paintings.

The authorities have invited expression of interest from individuals, agencies and organisations for carrying out the art works, railway sources told The Hindu .

The murals will depict local culture, heritage and history of the area, said a senior railway officer.



While the agencies have been given the liberty of picking the railway station of their choice, their experience will be taken into account prior to entrusting them with the task, the sources said.

The agency/organisation quoting the lowest rate will be chosen to execute the beautification works. And the rate will be on the basis of per sq ft area of the painting, said the official.

At present, the walls at Tiruchi Junction, Srirangam, Thanjavur Junction, Golden Rock and Nagapattinam railway stations stand testimony to the beautification efforts of Tiruchi Division, which engaged local artists and students of fine arts to improve the ambience of the buildings.

Some portion of the walls in Thanjavur and Srirangam railway stations have been given a fresh coat of murals. The idea is to cover the remaining portions as well.

The initiative is aimed at creating “feel good factor”, said the official. “We are also trying to execute the task under the corporate social responsibility scheme.”

The list of railway stations with murals has been communicated to Southern Railway headquarters. The beautification drive will enable the railway stations to enter the fray in an inter-zone competition to be held later.

Source