Title - Residual life of Pamban bridge to be assessed

MADURAI: Southern Railway will rope in a competent agency to study the residual life of Pamban cantilever bridge which will turn 100 years next year. Addressing the media here on Tuesday, Southern Railway General Manager, RakeshMisra said that he had inspected the bridge on Monday along with a team of officials. "It is an old bridge and a very unique structure in the world. The strength and life of the bridge has to be studied and we are planning to bring in some of the competent agencies in this field like IIT - Chennai," he said. After the residual life is assessed by the agency, the railways will decide on reconstructing or renovating the bridge, he said. "It all depends on the results of the study and if the residual life left assessed is very short, necessary measures have to be taken," he said. Misra also announced that the railways will hold the centenary celebrations of the bridge next year.

Commenting on the Railway Medical Colleges proposed to be constructed in the country, he said that Medical College at Chennai will be the first one among the six proposed colleges by railways, though a lot of other decisions are yet to be taken in this regard. "The railways is contemplating on the model of the medical college and Armed Forces Medical College in Pune is being considered," he said.

Answering the question on railway stations turning into potential places of health hazards for diseases, he pointed out that the railways stations are intensively used by public and they are taking all measures to keep the premises clean. "However, we should be getting more support from the public in this regard. We have been urging the public not to use toilets while the trains are at stations," he said.

Misra assured that the gauge conversion works being carried out in the division like Manamadurai - Virudhunagar and Palani - Pollachi sections will be completed this year, while Senkottai - Punalur will be completed by next year. Measures will be taken to commence passenger traffic in Manamadurai - Virudhunagar section after CRS inspection. The electrification works between Dindigul - Virudhunagar is awaiting the approval of Commissioner of Railway Safety, he said.

Upon inspecting the Madurai Junction and quite impressed with the maintenance, he announced a cash prize of Rs 10,000 to the station authorities for better maintenance. "It is one of the best-maintained stations when it comes to passenger amenities,"s he said. He also added that the escalators being installed in the junction will be operational in a month's time.