Madurai-Thoothukudi track doubling work to start this fiscal.

Madurai- Vanchi Maniyachi- Thoothukudi track doubling work would commence this financial year, and train service on the broad gauge being laid in Shencottai- Punalur section would commence before the end of this fiscal, said Southern Railway General Manager Vashishta Johri recently.

Speaking to reporters after inspecting Tenkasi and Tirunelveli railway junctions, Mr. Johri said that the first phase work on Madurai– Vanchi Maniyachi– Thoothukudi track doubling would commence this financial year with the Rs. 100 crore allotted in the Railway Budget. Work on Vanchi Maniyachi– Tirunelveli– Kanyakumari line would be taken up after the first phase was completed.

'As the double track between Chennai and Madurai is likely to be commissioned before the end of this fiscal, additional train services may be introduced in this section,' Mr. Johri noted.

Shencottai– Punalur gauge conversion work would be completed and train service in this section would start before the end of this fiscal as work on this much-awaited project was steadily progressing.

He said that due attention was being given to ensure better passenger–friendly amenities on trains and also at railway stations by allocating adequate funds every year. “After sanctioning escalator to Tirunelveli junction, the Southern Railway has allotted a lift for this busy junction for the benefit of aged passengers,” Mr. Johri said.

THE HINDU