Southern Railway plans to convert Tiruvannamalai railway station into PFTR terminal
Officials of the Southern Railway, which has spearheaded the project, said that the British era railway station was restored under the Station Redevelopment Project. The project aims to provide better passengers amenities with airport-like features, including separate arrival and departure corridors, bright LED illumination, hassle-free access to platforms through escalators, lifts and skywalks and a rainwater harvesting system.
'The proposed terminal of the Tiruvannamalai railway station will help pilgrims visiting the Arunachaleswara temple easily as more long-distance trains will halt at the railway station,' a railway official told The Hindu.
'Railway officials said that as per plan, the railway station will be developed as PFTR terminal, which takes care of maintenance of all trains including Shatabdis, Intercities and double decker trains.
It also includes rolling in and rolling out of trains at the railway station, where movement of trains will be checked by railway engineers as part of safety checks. Brake release and axle box examinations will also be done at the proposed terminal to ensure safety of commuters.
The proposed terminal will also take care of civic amenities in trains such as water supply, lighting, and cleanliness, including disinfecting of coaches. 'The proposed terminal will convert the railway station into a busy transport hub for the temple town due to its proximity to the new bus terminus and arterial roads,' said B. Sampath, a trader.
Railway officials said that two factors necessitated the formation of a new terminal at Tiruvannamalai railway station. First, the existing PFTR terminal at Villupuram railway station has become congested due to the increasing number of trains coming to the station. This had resulted in operational delays and late arrival of trains at Villupuram railway station.
Secondly, there has been a growing demand for additional trains to accommodate long distance travellers, who are on pilgrimage to the town. This is another reason for the proposed terminal project at the railway station, which will have four rail lines to ensure smooth operation of trains. At present, Tiruvannamalai railway station handles around 15 trains, mostly express and passenger trains, and over 8,000 passengers every day on its three platforms.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
AI Express to start flights to Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Dehradun in September
Expanding its operations, Air India Express will start flights to Ahmedabad , Chandigarh and Dehradun from September. Independence Day 2025 Before Trump, British used tariffs to kill Indian textile Bank of Azad Hind: When Netaji gave India its own currency Swadeshi 2.0: India is no longer just a market, it's a maker The airline, which has a fleet of 116 planes, operates over 500 flights daily. "With the addition of Ahmedabad and Chandigarh from September 1, 2025, and Dehradun from September 15, 2025, Air India Express will operate across 41 domestic and 17 international destinations," the airline said in a release on Thursday. There will be two daily flights on the Ahmedabad-Bengaluru and Chandigarh-Bengaluru routes, and daily flights between Dehradun and Bengaluru. Air India Express Managing Director Aloke Singh said that having flights to the new destinations are part of a broader strategy to open new opportunities in high-potential markets. Live Events The Tata Group-owned carrier has 76 Boeing 737s and 40 Airbus A320s.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
FAITH Conclave 2025 charts unified roadmap for $3 trillion Indian tourism economy by 2047
The Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) concluded its two-day FAITH Conclave 2025 in New Delhi which saw external affairs minister Dr. S. Jaishankar talking about positioning tourism as a 'strategic pillar' of India's diplomacy, alongside trade and technology, while tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stressed on raising tourism's GDP share from 6% to 10% through skilled manpower, sustainability, and cultural preservation. Independence Day 2025 Before Trump, British used tariffs to kill Indian textile Bank of Azad Hind: When Netaji gave India its own currency Swadeshi 2.0: India is no longer just a market, it's a maker G20 Sherpa and the architect of the Incredible India campaign, Amitabh Kant, called for a Rs 20,000 crore global marketing push, GST simplification, and major urban renewal for an elevated visitor experience. The conclave, chaired by Ajeet Bajaj, vice chair of FAITH—was attended by the presidents of India's 10 major tourism and hospitality associations, senior policymakers, state tourism officials, and global industry leaders. Together, they unveiled Tourism Vision 2047: a roadmap to build a $3 trillion tourism economy, attract 100 million inbound tourists, facilitate 20 billion domestic visits, and create 200 million tourism-driven jobs by India's centenary year of independence. On day one, FAITH leaders outlined a set of sectoral recommendations that included cleanliness and sanitation drives to enhance visitor experience at minimal marketing cost, destination development with thematic and experiential tourism circuits, and heritage tourism incentives through tax rebates, low-interest loans, and visa-free travel. Puneet Chhatwal, FAITH chairperson, underlined tourism's role as India's soft power and the world's leading job creator. Live Events Senior tourism officials from Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh presented state-led innovations and unique tourism offerings. On day two, Peter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo and Chair-elect of IATA, highlighted aviation's role in tourism growth. He outlined three enablers—visa reforms, ease of travel, and targeted global promotion—and announced IndiGo's expansion to over 50 international destinations with wide-body Airbus A350s. Representing IATO, FHRAI, HAI, ADTOI, ATOAI, ICPB, IHHA, ITTA, TAAI, TAFI, and AIRDA, FAITH said it reaffirmed its dedication to a whole-of-nation approach for tourism growth, integrating central and state policies, private partnerships, and community participation. The industry body said a joint recommendations document will be submitted to the prime minister and the Ministry of Tourism following the event. 'This is India's century,' said Rajiv Mehra, general secretary, FAITH. 'Achieving our tourism potential requires shared vision, coordinated action, and industry accountability.'
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Bengaluru's Raj Bhavan will remain open to the public for three days in August; and the dates are...
To mark the 79th Independence Day of India, Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru, Karnataka will open its gate to the public. Raj Bhavan is one of the most prestigious buildings in the state. A number of people who stroll past Raj Bhavan most of the time wonder what lies beyond those grand gates. If you are also among them, here's your chance to find out as the Raj Bhavan is all set to welcome 'aam janta' for three days on August 16, 17 and 18, 2025. For those who don't know, Raj Bhavan is the official residence of the state Governor. It also happens to be one of the city's most prestigious and historically important buildings. This rare opportunity is a part of the 79th Independence Day celebrations. It will allow visitors a golden opportunity to explore the immaculate gardens, colonial architecture, and big halls that usually remain off-limits. Here's everything you need to know about this: Date : The Raj Bhavan will allow visitors to explore inside on August 16, 17, and 18. Time : The grand gates will be open from 6 AM to 7:30 PM all three days. Security Checks Being a highly protective place, there would be strict security checks. Carry Official ID: You must present a valid government-issued photo ID at the entrance, else entry would be denied. On Foot Only: Vehicles are not permitted. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What is an insulated prefabricated house and how much does it cost? (View) Prefabricated Homes View Deals Undo You'll have to walk in from the designated entry point. No Electronics Allow: Phones, cameras, laptops, and other electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited. So no pictures inside. No Bags or Restricted Items: Bags, purses, sharp objects, food, drinks, plastics, lighters, tobacco, and alcohol are not allowed. About Raj Bhavan Raj Bhavan is one of the most famous landmarks in Bengaluru. It is more than just the Governor's residence, this also happens to a living example of Bengaluru's colonial past. The bhavan was built between 1840 and 1842 by Sir Mark Cubbon. Back in time, it served as the British Commissioner's residence. But after independence, it became a state guesthouse and eventually the official home of Karnataka's Governor. The whole place is spread across 16 acres. The premises is home to gardens, centuries-old trees, and even an artificial waterfall too. Some of the prime features include the Serapis Room, a ballroom built in 1874 for the Prince of Wales' visit. Visitors are expected to follow protocols and stay within marked zones. The security staff would expect visitors to maintain silence and decorum throughout the tour. R. Prabhushankar, Special Secretary to the Governor of Karnataka, has requested cooperation from visitors. This public opening of the Raj Bhavan is unique opportunity to explore this historical building Tips If you're planning to visit, here's how to make the most of your day: Arrive Early to avoid queues. Plan your day and visit nearby attractions such as Cubbon Park, Bangalore Palace, and Lalbagh Botanical Garden, among others. This is not your ordinary tourist attraction but a government property. So follow the instructions. Open days at Raj Bhavan are incredibly rare—most locals have never been inside, let alone tourists. For travellers, this is a unique chance to see Bengaluru from a different perspective, beyond its tech parks and cafés. It's a glimpse into Karnataka's political history, architectural beauty, and the quieter side of city life. "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
