Date:06/07/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/07/06/stories/2009070652700300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Udhagamandalam

Facilities at railway station being improved

Special Correspondent

Approach roads likely to be converted into concrete ones

– Photo: M. Sathyamoorthy

For everyone: Janata meals being served to tourists at the railway station in Udhagamandalam on Sunday.

Udhagamandalam: With work on strengthening the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) track between Coonoor and Kallar having commenced a few days ago, the Salem division of the Southern Railways has put in place a plan of action to improve facilities at the station here.

Station Master Raveendranathan told The Hindu that the canteen which had hitherto been leased out is now being run by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation through a franchisee.

He said that its popularity was growing not only among the tourists arriving or leaving by the NMR but also the local people.

The Rs. 10 Janata meals, comprised seven puris and a sabji, were now being served, he said and added that among the customers were foreigners too.

Since the approach roads to the station get damaged frequently due to the rains and traffic they were likely to be converted into concrete roads.

Mr. Raveendranathan, replying to a query, said that the efforts are on to open a public convenience facility constructed sometime ago inside the station.

The current spell of incessant rains had not affected services on the line.