Date:24/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/24/stories/2007062460070100.htm

Front Page

Facelift for Kumbakonam railway station

G. Srinivasan

Work to the tune of Rs.4.9 cr. under way

For better service: Track laying work in progress at the Kumbakonam railway station.

THANJAVUR: The Tiruchi Railway Division has embarked on a task of giving a facelift to the Kumbakonam station as part of its efforts to improve passenger amenities.

Various development works to the tune of Rs.4.9 crore are being carried out in the station.

As part of the work, platform number 1 is being renovated with kota stones and checked tiles being laid on both edges. The length of the three platforms, which can now accommodate only 17 coaches, is being extended to accommodate 24 coaches.

The three retiring rooms, including one air-conditioned facility, are also being renovated.

Other works undertaken by the railways include improvement of the circulating area, provision of a car park, development of booking office area and the building housing the station.

Kumbakonam, being an important town and a business centre in the district, fetches good earnings to the railways through movement of goods. Paddy procured by the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation during the harvest season is transported mostly by trains from Kumbakonam. It has also been planned to improve facilities at the goods shed.

The Railway Ministry, which has declared 2007 and 2008 as ‘passenger amenity years,’ has launched improvement works in both Kumbakonam and Thanjavur stations. Works in Kumbakonam, launched over a month ago, will be completed by the beginning of next year, according to railway sources.