Tiruchi Junction is one among the stations across the railway network to have been identified by the Railway Board to make further improvements relating to passenger amenities to provide an enhanced and richer experience to the travellers.

The Railway Board in a recent communication to the General Managers of all zonal railways has directed officers to lay emphasis on making a visible change in the chosen stations without unnecessary construction all over.

Besides Tiruchi Junction, Chennai Egmore, Palakkad, Salem, Madurai and Kanniyakumari are the other stations falling under the jurisdiction of the Southern Railway zone identified by the Board for making further improvements.

The Divisional Railway Managers of the railway divisions concerned have been asked to formulate a master plan for improvement of the identified stations. While preparing the master plan the divisional railway authorities have specifically asked to take feedback and ideas from the local stakeholders.

The Board has asked the Divisional Railway Managers to include the details of works proposed to be carried out; the plan for circulation of passengers and vehicles at the station and holding areas along with the design theme for the station. It has listed out an array of items which the respective divisional railway authorities could take up for improvements.

These include improving the façade of the station building; systematic collection and removal of garbage and disposal system; improvements to existing waiting halls and retiring rooms; provision of drinking water arrangements in waiting halls; improved toilet facilities and availability of potable water at all times besides provision of lifts and escalators.

Provision of boundary wall / fence wherever necessary to prevent trespass and provide access control to the extent possible; LED lighting to brighten up all areas; improvement to booking areas and entry concourses; suitable locations for charging mobile phones also form part of the items meant for upgradation.

In addition to these, the Board has also asked the Divisional Railway Managers to consider any other item necessary for improvements.

The divisional authorities have been asked to forward the master plan for upgradation of stations also indicating the approximate cost to the Railway Board by this month - end, according to the communication.

The Board would accord administrative clearance to go ahead with the plan indicating change if any within few days to enable the Divisional Railway Managers to carry out the task. Special teams of officers from the Railway Board would associate with the Divisional Railway Managers to support them.

The Board has made it clear that the works in the identified stations should be completed by December 2018 by planning the scope / quantum of work keeping the target in mind.

Divisional Railway Manager, Tiruchi, P. Uday Kumar Reddy, told The Hindu on Monday that suggestions and views from the locals would be taken and those workable would be duly considered and incorporated in the master plan for upgradation of the station.