Travelling public buoyed by HG-2 categorisation of Thudiyalur railway station in Coimbatore

HS-2 (Halt Station) upgrade of Thudiyalur Railway Station this year has brought cheer to the travelling public, as it opens up scope for improvement in amenities under public-private partnership.

The upgrade, which will be valid for five years, was made based on the passenger earnings from both reserved and unreserved passengers and outward passengers handled at the station. The earnings are calculated on the basis of the number of passengers boarding at the station (both reserved and unreserved) irrespective of the location from where the ticket has been issued, according to the guidelines.

The HG-2 stations generate revenue more than ₹5 lakh and less than or equal to ₹50 lakh per annum. More than one lakh passengers and less than or equal to three lakh passengers are handled.

Till last year, Thudiyalur station was HG-3, implying handled less than or equal to one lakh passengers, and generated revenue of less than or equal to five lakh rupees.

The minimum essential amenities in HG-2 constitute drinking water, waiting hall, high-level platform, lighting, foot-over bridge and dust bins. Desirable facilities in HG 2 stations constitute waiting room with bath facilities, parking and circulatory area with lights, electronic train indicator board, signages, modular catering stalls, and pay and use toilets on end platform and circulating area.

Other HG-2 stations constitute Irugur and Periyanaickenpalayam in Coimbatore district.

The travelling public hope for development of Thudiyalur station on the lines of Periyanaickenpalayam Railway Station, which got a facelift during 2016-17, at a cost of ₹2 crore under Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of Lakshmi Machine Works. It features facilities such as waiting area, ramps, separate disabled-friendly toilets, and ticket counter-cum-station master room.

According to regular commuters, IT companies operating near Saravanampatti should come forward to develop the Thudiyalur Railway Station under the public-private partnership scheme.