Chennai: For the convenience of commuters and easing peak hour rush, platforms where commuters can alight on either side of trains, are being planned at nine suburban stations.
Called ‘double-discharge platform’, work is in progress at Mambalam and Tambaram stations, and for seven more stations, work sanction is in the queue.
Like the double-discharge platform at Chennai Park, work on platform one of Tambaram has been nearly completed, according to senior railway officials.
Additionally, Mambalam station will also be getting a similar platform on the West Mambalam side to make it easy for commuters. “Only electrical work is remaining on the double-discharge platform at Tambaram, it will be in use by commuters soon. At Mambalam, the precast curb wall construction is in progress. Currently, work sanction for Chromepet and Guindy stations is awaited.
Once we receive that, tenders will be floated for the same,” said the official. “Overall, a list of nine stations has been suggested where such platforms would come up, not all have been sanctio ned yet. Egmore, St Thomas Mount, Saidapet, Chetpet are also in the queue,” he added.
Commuters say this is a good move, as it is much convenient to get down at the station than having to cross using an over-bridge. “If the work gets over with out much delay, it will benefit commuters like me. It would be good if officials improve lighting, toilets and drinking water supply at suburban stations,” said C.L. Ramakrishnan, a commuter. Egmore, Guindy and Tambaram suburban stations will also have escalators for commuters’ convenience.
