Rameswaram nominated as 'Green station'

Madurai, April 20: Rameswaram Railway station falling under Madurai division, has been nominated as a 'Green station' with full compliment of bio-toilets in all coaches leaving from the town, a top railway official said on Thursday, April 21 Addressing the 61st railway week celebrations here,Sunil Kumar Garg, Railway Divisional manager, said Madurai Junction had been ranked One among the 10 top cleanest stations under "A1" category in the country.

Kovilpatti and Virudhunagar figured top 10 clean stations in "A"Category. He said a mechanised BOOT (Built, Own, Operate, Transfer) laundry of four ton capacity would be commissioned here soon to improve quality of linen supplied to passengers.

In terms of earnings, the Division’s originating earnings for 2015-16 was Rs 735.14 crore as against last year's Rs. 723.36 crore. The passenger earnings was Rs.440.82 crore as against Rs 414. 66 crores of last year. In freight transport, the division loaded 2.1035 million tons last year and earnings was Rs 237.30 crore, he said.

Garg said the division has completed works on passenger amenities worth Rs 7.17 crore last year. The shortfalls in Minimum Essential Amenities as per Railway board norms in stations would be fulfilled at a cost of Rs two crore this year, he said.

On gauge conversion and doubling works, he said the Sengottai-Punalur GC work was progressing well and was targeted for completion this year.

The second line between Tiruchchirappalli and Manaparai has become operational from April 1 2016, he said. Doubling work in Dindigul-Tamaraippadi section had also been completed, he added.

PTI