Pamban bridge safe for gauge conversion: Velu

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Chennai, Sep 9 (UNI) The gauge conversion programme underway at the historic Pamban bridge for an estimated cost of Rs 50 crore would be completed by March nextyear, Union Minister of State for Railways R Velu said today.

Addressing a press conference here, he said apprehensions on the strength of the pillars were unfounded as the bridge had withstood the storm, which occurred in 1964.

He said the replacement of the existing pillars would incur an additional expenditure of Rs 1000 crore.

A research cum inspection was carried out by technical experts from various departments including IIT, RDSO Lucknow regarding the strength of pillars and a detailed report was submitted stating that the existing pillars were safe.

Mr Velu said, even after the gauge conversion, trains would be allowed to run only with a speed of 30 KMPH.

To a question, he said efforts would be made to provide rail link to Dhanuskodi from Rameswaram.

After the 1964 storm, the rail link to Dhanuskodi was cut off.

He said a final decision on the proposed sale of reservation tickets through post offices was not yet taken.

Asked about the proposed move to prevent entry of visitors in to the Railway stations in the wake of the recent serial bomb blasts at Mumbai, he said the idea was suggested by Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad considering the safety aspect of the passengers. But due to widespread protest over this move, it now needed a detailed study.

The officer on Special duty, who had been looking into the possibility of the formation of a new railway division with headquarters at Salem, had submitted his report to the railway board, and the board had circulated the report to various departments for their views.

After considering the report, the new division would be established as early as possible, he added.

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