Trichy MP pushes for railway subway in Ariyamangalam

Trichy: Durai Vaiko, MP, on Tuesday conducted an inspection at Ukkadai Ariyamangalam to assess the need for a new railway subway across the tracks connecting Srirangam and Ponmalai railway stations in Trichy city. As Trichy railway division had planned to raise retaining walls on both sides of the tracks to prevent people from risking their lives while crossing the tracks, the MP assured Ariyamangalam residents that a proposal for a new subway will be expedited to improve connectivity within the city.
"The railway tracks are dividing Ariyamangalam locality into two parts, and people have to cross the tracks for their daily needs including dropping children in schools. Construction of retaining walls will be put on hold until the work for a new subway is initiated," the MP said. Without crossing the railway tracks, residents have to take a detour for 1.5 km. Residents told the MP that the subway demand has been pending for about 15 years. A section of residents along with the MP also met Trichy DRM M S Anbalagan. Sources said that a railway subway to interconnect two areas of Ukkadai Ariyamangalam can be facilitated with minimal land acquisition.
The subway could provide access for two-wheelers and autorickshaws. The MP has appointed two retired railway officials to coordinate between the division and Ariyamangalam residents for smooth execution of the subway proposal. During the meeting, the MP also placed a demand with the DRM to lay a new road between Ponneripuram and Ponmalai colony. As the existing 400-meter-long road connecting Kalkandarkottai, Nathamadipatti, and Thiru Nagar areas is in bad shape, Durai Vaiko said that a new road would benefit residents in their daily commute.