Sengottai-Punalur Gauge conversion to be completed in 2017

: The Southern Railway today said that the Sengottai-Punalur Gauge conversion had been targeted for completion in 2017.
SR General Manager Vashishta Johri, who held a review meeting here to assess the achievements of Madurai division, suggested increasing the revenue of the Railways.He also said that Survey work had been completed for the line to Tuticorin from Madurai via Aruppukottai.
In the Madurai- Rameswaram section, a detailed project Report of the Uchupuli-Valantharavai diversion project of the Defence Ministry for the Naval Station has been accepted by the Navy. Once funds were deposited by them, work would start, he said.
The Pollachi- Palghat line has been completed and was awaiting for CRS inspection, while work of track doubling between tiruchi and Manaparai had been completed. Work on dindigul-Manaparai doubling of track was in progress.

He said various Public sector Units, including LIC had been approached for taking up railway projects,and as when funds were made available, pending works owuld be taken up.He said Pamban bridge would be further strengthened.
With the intention of serving the increasing number of passengers, and to reduce waiting time in unreserved ticket counters, Automatic Ticket Vending Machines had been provided in 27 stations across Madurai Division.

For safety of passengers, train escort had been provided to 11 Express trains and 14 passenger trains.
CCTV cameras have been installed in Madurai, Tirunelveli, and Dindigul for the safety and security of passengers.

A total of 177 coaches of 778 of Madurai Division are running with Bio-Toilets. In Rameswaram, declared a Green Station, there are 78 coaches with such toilets out of 145 maintained there, he said.