Tiruchi Railway Division plans to relay the roads in Railway Colony

Tiruchi Railway Division plans to relay the roads in the Railway Colony, which are in deplorable condition, causing severe hardship to employees of Golden Rock Railway Workshop and commuters of various residential areas.

Hundreds of people reside in areas such as Mela Kalkandarkottai, Railway Colony, Ponmalaipatti, Ambikapuram, Ex-servicemen Colony, Subramaniapuram, and others. They have to travel on the roads around the Railway Colony that extends for about 400 hectares owned by the Indian Railways. In addition to the people who reside in Mela Kalkandarkottai, Ponmalaipatti, and other peripheries of the Railway Colony, the employees of Golden Rock Railway Workshop and the passengers visiting the Golden Rock Railway Station use these roads. The roads, well connected with the staff quarters of Golden Rock Workshop, railway station, railway hospital, and others, are in a bad condition, making it difficult even for two-wheeler riders. Except for a few, most roads were laid more than 15 years to 20 years ago. No proper maintenance or repair work was taken up for long, thereby making driving on the roads back breaking, and a nightmare for drivers.

Acting on reports and petitions from the railway employees and the commuters, Balak Ram Negi, Divisional Railway Manager, visited the Railway Colony that houses the Golden Rock Railway Station, Railway Hospital, staff quarters, and others and took stock of the condition of the roads. The officials explained to him about the roads, which are under the control of the Tiruchi Railway Division. He sought details on the roads and the repair and maintenance works carried out.

Sources told The Hindu that it had been decided to relay all important roads in the Railway Colony and other approach roads to the Southern Railway facilities and offices. A list, highlighting important roads, had been drawn. Preparation of estimate for the project was under way. As per the preliminary estimate, it would cost ₹2 crore for relaying important roads. Steps were under way to float tenders shortly.