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Time of India
18-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Rail infrastructure in Coimbatore district to get a boost soon
Coimbatore: The railway infrastructure in the district is all set to get a boost with the Southern Railway considering various long pending demands in its list of work shortlisted for 2025-26. To start with, the railway department has allocated Rs3.46 crore for the development of Singanallur station. While five trains have stoppages at Singanallur station, not many are aware of its existence, thanks to lack of proper entrance and exit points, terminal and approach roads. J Sathish, joint secretary, Resident Awareness Association of Coimbatore, said the railway should consider creating an entrance and exit on the eastern or western side, that is towards SIHS Colony or Neelikonampalayam Road. "Both these directions come with good approach roads, whereas the present entrance and exit located on the south side is a narrow lane. Additional facilities like drinking water, toilets and renovation of the terminal building are needed. " The railway department has allocated another Rs6.42 crore to increase the platform height at Irugur and Somanur stations, Rs2.97 crore to upgrade LHB coach maintenance facility at Coimbatore Junction, Rs41.13 crore to develop a coach maintenance facility at Podanu and yet another Rs18.46 crore for the modernization of goods sheds at Irugur and Coimbatore North stations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like After Losing Weight Kevin James Looks Like A Model 33 Bridges Undo Irugur depot is known for generating significant freight revenue. It mainly handles petroleum products, cement, food grains and fertilizers. "Other divisions of the Southern Railway have ports, whereas the Salem division lacks one. Even then, Irugur generates freight revenues to the tune of Rs275-Rs300 crore yearly. Hence, improving the goods shed there is the need of the hour. Located at the centre of the city, Coimbatore North station could be completely utilised for passenger traffic. The railway should consider shifting the entire freight operations to Irugur," Sathish said.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Coimbatore corporation decides to desilt, strengthen bunds, widen canals of Singanallur lake
Coimbatore: To bring about an overall rejuvenation of the water body, the Coimbatore Corporation has decided to desilt Singanallur lake , strengthen its bunds and widen its canals at a cost of Rs 13 crore. Additionally, the civic body plans to collaborate with NGOs to preserve the lake's natural ecosystem. Unlike previous lake projects undertaken under the Smart City initiative, the new initiative to maintain the ecology with additional infrastructure. As the lake has not been desilted for over three decades, it is estimated that nearly 2 lakh cubic metres of sludge have accumulated. A preliminary survey and a detailed project report (DPR) are being prepared jointly by the civic body and Siruthuli, an NGO. Environmentalists have also proposed several suggestions for the development of the lake. Coimbatore Corporation and Siruthuli conducted a joint inspection to assess the current condition of the lake and its feeder channels. Siruthuli has recommended desilting the lake and strengthening its bunds. According to a Siruthuli representative, a bathymetric survey has been completed, though the results are awaited. "We are conducting a digital survey to map the streams and their entry points. The priority is to desilt the anicut in Nanjundapuram. After that, the connecting stream must be clearly marked to ensure the proper flow of fresh water into the lake. We are currently drafting methods and exploring technologies to achieve these objectives," said J Sathish, trustee of Siruthuli. There are also plans to develop an island within the lake to attract migratory birds and support bird nesting. Unlike other urban lakes in Coimbatore, Singanallur lake has remained untouched by intrusive development, largely due to sustained opposition from environmental NGOs. In line with conservation efforts, boating and commercial fishing were banned several years ago to protect the lake's biodiversity. The current development plan includes the construction of a walking track along the lake's perimeter. Manikandan from Kovai Kulangal Padhukappu Amaippu suggested introducing a minimal entry fee at all water bodies to encourage public responsibility. "People value and take care of places when there's a price attached. Free and unrestricted access often leads to pollution," he said.
