Date:17/06/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/06/17/stories/2006061717600300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

New entrance to Egmore railway station opens

Special Correspondent

Sprawling parking area for two, four-wheelers provided

ADDITIONAL FACILITY: Passengers using the new escalator installed at the Egmore railway station on Friday. — PHOTO: K. PICHUMANI

CHENNAI: A second gateway to the Egmore railway station, for the convenience of passengers from the northern and central parts of the city, was thrown open on Friday.

The new entrance will ease congestion at the station with passenger facilities being provided at the new complex, besides a sprawling parking area for two and four-wheelers, said railway authorities.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Minister of State for Railways R.Velu said the Railway Board had sanctioned Rs. 26 crore in the current financial year for passenger facilities. This would be increased to Rs.46 crore during the year.

Apart from Delhi and the MRTS stations in Chennai, Egmore was the only station to get escalators. Major stations in Tamil Nadu would be provided with escalators, he said.

Union Minister for Communications, Dayanidhi Maran, inaugurating the new entrance, said the Centre would soon sanction metro rail for Chennai city.

Union Minister for Health and Family Planning R. Anbumani wanted railway authorities to launch health awareness campaigns at all stations. Chief Administrator Officer (Construction) V. Somasundaram said the new entrance would provide quick access to passengers from the northern side of the city.

State Information and Publicity Minister Parithi Ilamvazhuthi and Corporation Deputy Mayor R.Thiagarajansought more escalators be provided at Egmore.