Southern Railway’s General Manager held a thorough review meeting with MPs of various constituencies under Salem Division. The discussion highlights completed and ongoing railway development works focused on passenger facilities, station updation, and infrastructure achievements. The MPs share valuable suggestions to further improve railway services and regional connectivity.
Introduction:
Southern Railway’s Development in Salem Division reviewed with MPs in a high-level meeting held on 05 May 2025, Shri R.N. Singh, General Manager of Southern Railway, interacted with several Hon’ble Members of Parliament representing constituencies under the Salem Division to review key infrastructure progress. The session reflected Southern Railway’s dedicated approach to boosting connectivity, elevating passenger comfort, and aligning regional needs with national railway goals.
Dignitaries in Attendance:
- Shri C.N. Annadurai, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Tiruvannamalai Constituency
- Shri K. Eswarasamy, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Pollachi Constituency
- Dr. P. Ganapathy Rajkumar, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Coimbatore Constituency
- Shri K. Gopinath, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Krishnagiri Constituency
- Smt. S. Jothimani, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Karur Constituency
- Shri D. Malayarasan, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Kallakurichi Constituency
- Shri V. S. Matheswaran, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Namakkal Constituency
- Shri K.E. Prakash, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Erode Constituency
- Shri T.M. Selvaganapathi, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Salem Constituency
- Shri K. Subbarayan, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Tiruppur Constituency
The meeting was also joined by Shri Pankaj Kumar Sinha, DRM, Salem Division, and key officials from Southern Railway Headquarters.
Agenda Highlights:
The discussion focussed on critical infrastructure developments, including the introduction of new train services and stoppages, electrification and doubling of key routes, and station modernization under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Safety improvements, passenger amenity improvements, and the status of land acquisition for ongoing railway projects were also thoroughly reviewed.
Constituency-Wise Project Highlights:
Coimbatore Constituency:
- Platform shelters and extensions completed at key stations.
- Coimbatore station houses 11 catering stalls, food plaza, and a Restaurant-on-Wheels.
- Coimbatore North upgraded with lifts and a new waiting hall under ABSS.
Salem Constituency:
- Salem Junction platforms resurfaced; ABSS redevelopment underway (Rs. 60 crore).
- Salem–Magnesite–Omalur doubling and electrification completed (Rs. 120 crore).
- New lines and doubling projects sanctioned.
Rasipuram Constituency:
- Stations upgraded with new lighting, water booths, and ticket counters.
- Works implemented at Kalangani, Namakkal, Rasipuram for Rs. 3 crore.
Kallakurichi Constituency:
- Facilities improved at Chinna Salem, Siruvattur, and Kachirapalayam stations.
- Rs. 2.5 crore funded on lighting, platforms, toilets, and circulating areas.
Erode Constituency:
- Safety and platform upgrades at Sankari, Mavelipalayam, and Perundurai.
- Divyang-friendly infrastructure, water booths, signage installed (₹4 crore+).
Cuddalore Constituency:
- Mukhasaparur station was upgraded with drinking water, raised platforms, and Divyang toilets.
Dharmapuri Constituency:
- Doddampatti platform works, new FOB, Bommidi station revamped under ABSS.
- Parking contracts, lounges, and executive facilities added at Morappur and Bommidi.
Karur Constituency:
- Stations like Karur and Pugalur received platform and toilet upgrades.
- New PMBJK store at Karur and stoppage of Mysuru–Mayiladuthurai Express introduced.
- Major ABSS development ongoing with escalators, new ticket counters.
Krishnagiri Constituency:
- Samalpatti station got a new station building, parking, toilets, and lounges.
- Train stoppages increased to boost connectivity.
Namakkal Constituency:
- Platforms raised, level crossings replaced with subways.
- Namakkal station is getting a new building and facilities under ABSS.
Nilgiris Constituency (NMR Section):
- Heritage stations like Mettupalayam, Coonoor, and Udhagamandalam enhanced with new and refurbished retiring rooms, parking, and benches.
Tiruchchirappalli Constituency:
- Lalapet and Pettaivayatalai platforms were raised and extended.
- Drinking water, benches, Divyang toilets, and new parking were introduced.
Tiruppur Constituency:
- Tiruppur station received extensive works: platform shelters (3600 sqm), escalator, waiting hall, and executive lounge.
- App-based cab service and six catering stalls introduced.
Tiruvannamalai Constituency:
- Tirupattur platform 2 extended and upgraded.
- Toilet and parking infrastructure improved.
- Ongoing ABSS works consist of a new terminal, booking office, lounge, and FOB with lifts.
Collaborative Outlook and Suggestions:
MPs suggested faster execution of approved projects, the need for more Divyang-friendly infrastructure, and additional stoppages for passenger travel convenience. They asked for leveraging key stations for tourism and commercial potential. Southern Railway assured consideration of these outlooks while outlining recent initiatives to enhance amenities and expand network connectivity in the region.
Conclusion:
This high-level meeting reinforced Southern Railway’s promise to improve regional rail infrastructure. The diverse range of constituency-specific developments showcases the zone’s balanced approach toward modernization, passenger convenience, and regional connectivity. With continued engagements between rail authorities and elected representatives, Salem Division is poised for sustained growth in rail infrastructure and services.
Source: Southern Railway | Image Credit (representational): Southern Railway
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