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With raised platforms and R.O. plant to supply purified drinking water

The small railway station here that survived a closure threat three decades back is witnessing a good patronage now.The Thiruthangal railway station was established in 1932. In 1984, the Southern Railway decided to close this station along with six other small railway stations such as Meesalur, Sankaralingapuram and Karivalamvandhanallur. But following strong protests by the Thiruthangal residents, the railways dropped the idea to close the station.About 1,300 to 1,500 passengers use it every day. The railway station’s net earnings, which was Rs.29.33 lakh in 2011-12 has rose to Rs.45.21 lakh in 2012-2013. As many as 10,891 open tickets were issued and 16,707 tickets booked in 2012-13.Though these figures indicate a good patronage, the railway station did not have adequate facilities to serve the passengers.After gauge conversion, the platforms were not raised to serve broad gauge trains, making it difficult for passengers to alight from or board trains.After the railway authorities cited fund crunch as a reason for not raising the platform, a native of this town and philanthropist, R.G.Chandramogan, donated Rs.30 lakh for the work three months back. A reverse osmosis plant to supply purified drinking water to passengers, a parcel room and coach indicators were also established at the station.

The railway authorities plan to erect five passenger shelters on the platform soon. To facilitate easy access for the physically-challenged people, a ramp has been constructed.

Mr.Chandramogan was felicitated by Divisional Railway Manager A.K.Rastogi and Additional Divisional Railway Manager V.Ajithkumar at a function organised here on Saturday.

The speakers at the function sought introduction of new trains on this route, extension of Chennai Egmore-Manamadurai Silambu Express to Shencottah, link train to Vaigai Express and an additional passenger train in the Madurai-Shencottah sector.

The authorities plan to erect five passenger shelters on the platform. To facilitate easy access for the physically-challenged, a ramp has been constructed