Southern Railway has completed 70% of modernisation work under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme (ABSS) in 15 railway stations in Trichy division. The redevelopment work underway at Rs 126 crore will provide better access and enhanced amenities for passengers.
Railway officials said the station entrances would be redeveloped and circulating areas will be improved. Besides, work for new porticos, platform shelters, improvement of platform surface, and electrical upgradation work comprising signages would be carried out in these stations. Accessibility will be improved by introducing lift and escalators. Wi-Fi facility will be provided for passengers and kiosks will be opened for selling local products under govt initiatives such as the One Station One Product scheme.
The 15 railway stations are Thanjavur, Mayiladuthurai, Lalgudi, Srirangam, Ariyalur, Virudachalam, Tiruvannamalai, Polur, Karaikal, Mannargudi, Tiruvarur, Villupuram, Chidambaram, Tirupadripulyur, and Vellore Cantonment. The stations would be made friendly for disabled and senior citizens using wheelchairs. Platforms will receive additional benches, water taps, and aesthetically pleasing shelters.
Officials added that steps would be taken to provide dedicated parking spaces for passengers in these railway stations. Energy-efficient practices such as using LED lights will be adopted in the station designs.