Work on rail bridges to begin in Dec.

By Our Staff Reporter

PALAKKAD, AUG. 26. The Union Minister of State for Railways, Mr. O. Rajagopal, has said that the construction work of one flyover and two railway overbridges in the town that could solve major traffic bottlenecks will start by December. During this period, construction of 65 railway overbridges will start in the State.

Addressing a press conference after a high-level meeting of the State Government and Railway officials here today, the Minister said that the flyover on the Vettilakulam-Pattikkara Road would cost Rs. 25 crores and would take two years to complete.

The two overbridges are at Chunnamputhara on the College Road and at Kadukkamkunnam on the Malampuzha Road the construction of which would be completed in a year, he said.

Two other overbridges being taken up in the town are at Commonwealth Gate and Akathethara. Construction of these overbridges would begin after solving some practical issues. At Commonwealth Gate, the bridge across the Kalpathy river has to be strengthened and the State highway, which has now been made into a National Highway, has some alignment problems which have to be sorted out.

Discussions will be held with the authorities concerned to solve these problems. The Minister said that the Railways have taken care to minimise the difficulties of eviction of houses and shops while constructing the flyover. It would take steps to provide them with reasonable compensation, Mr. Rajagopal said.

The Minister said that two more sleeper coaches would be added to the Amritha Express, considering the heavy booking for this train. Now it would have 10 coaches.

The Minister said that two Onam special trains each would be started from Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai to the State. The train would start from Nizamudeen at 11-50 a.m. on August 27 and 28. Its return journey from Thiruvanathapuram would be on September 2 and 3 at 7-15 p.m.

Two Express trains from Mumbai would start from Lokamanya Tilak Terminal at 11-30 p.m. on August 25 and 27. It will return to Mumbai at 9 a.m. on September 3 and 5.

The Onam special trains from Chennai to Thiruvanathapuram are at 11-15 p.m. at 4-45 p.m. on August 28 and 29. The trains will return to Chennai starting at 8 p.m. on September 2 and 3.

The Minister said that rail traffic through Kadalundi bridge would be resumed in the last week of September. The Minister said that some local trains are being introduced between Kozhikode and Mangalapuram to solve the problem of the people.

The Minister also held discussions with the Finance Minister, Mr. K. Sankaranarayanan, the Palakkad MP, Mr. N.N. Krishnadas, the municipal chairperson, Ms. Remani Bhai, the District Collector, Dr. Usha Titus, the Road and Bridges Corporation chairman, Mr. Kurian, and other top officials of the railways and the Public Works Department.

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Section  : Southern States
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