Master plan for redevelopment of Kumbakonam station on the anvil

Southern Railway Construction Organisation to engage consultant soon for project execution

Kumbakonam has been identified as one among the four railway stations in Southern Railway Zone for redevelopment aimed at providing new amenities and augmenting the existing ones for passengers to enhance their travel experience. 

The Southern Railway Construction Organisation has been entrusted with the task of executing the proposed redevelopment project at Kumbakonam — an important station falling under the limits of the Tiruchi Railway Division. The General Manager, Southern Railway, has nominated a senior official of the organisation as in-charge officer to carry out the project.

Having identified the temple town that attracts devotees from all over the country, for redevelopment, the railway administration has now planned to engage a consultant to come out with a master plan after inspecting the station and ascertaining the existing facilities and the new passenger amenities that could be put in place.

The railway authorities will soon float a tender to fix the consultant who will carry out a complete survey of the Kumbakonam station, a senior railway officer told The Hindu on Monday.

The master plan will be prepared by the consultant in coordination with officials of the Southern Railway Construction Organisation — which is to execute the project — and Tiruchi division.

A host of aspects will be looked into prior to the preparation of the master plan, which will aim at providing the best of facilities for travellers. Provision of lifts/escalators are also expected to form part of the proposed master plan, the officer said, adding that the project is aimed at multi-level improvement of facilities for the travelling public. 

The detailed plan will be submitted to top officials of Southern Railway for approval and estimates would be prepared for its execution. The process of identifying the consultant and preparation of the master plan was expected to be done in two to three months time, the officer added.