FoB with escalator for Tiruchy soon

The FoB with escalator was designed and drawing of the project finalised in 2013 and got the approval from the Railway Board with the Ministry of Railways allocating Rs 4.5 crore, in the railway budget in 2013-14. 

However, due to some technical difficulties, the work did not begin. Finally, earth work commenced last month and the making of concrete structure to hold the FoB commenced a few days ago. “The FoB would have a total length of 150 metres with four metres width while the height would be 6 metres above the platform. 

The entire length of the FoB will be connected to all the platforms with steps on one side and escalator on the other side,” according to S Ilango, the contractor from Mayiladuthurai. Initially, Rs 4.5 lakh was allocated and later, a separate allocation of about Rs 3.5 crore for escalotors was made. “We have been given time till December this year and will try to complete it within the schedule,” Ilango said. 

The officials said that they had asked the contractors to complete the project within the timeframe and once the fitting of girders could be done in a matter of few months, officials stated. As more than 50,000 passengers have been using the station every day with more than 150 trains including express trains crossing the Tiruchy Junction, it is felt that a FoB with escalators would ease congestion and there would be a great relief for disabled and senior citizens who struggle to pass through the existing narrow subway.