The Zilla Panchayat Parishad has said that the construction of overbridges at Kumbakonam and Papanasam on the Thanjavur-Mailaduthurai single line section of the Southern Railway will greatly help the movement of vehicles passing through these two cities.
The general meeting of the Council of Ministers held on Friday passed the resolution and when the traffic was stopped through the level crossing (LC 270) at Mathithi on the southern border of the Kumbakonam Corporation, about 1 km on both sides of the railway was piled up. As and when the LC gates come down for the passage of trains.
A similar situation prevails in Papanasam where the Papanasam-Saliamangalam road has a pile-up of vehicles when the level crossing gate (LC 285) near Papanasam railway station, is closed for the movement of trains.
Therefore, the Council has suggested construction of overbridges on LC 270 and LC 285 to help road users travel smoothly. Besides, an overbridge at the Mathathi level crossing near the Mahamagam tank in Kumbakonam will ensure smooth vehicular movement during the Mahamagam festival in 2028, the proposal added.
However, some rail passenger association members and social activists are skeptical of the feasibility of these projects as two level crossings are located on carriageways that are not wide enough for two-lane overbridges. These two areas are known for their high density of commercial buildings, they pointed out.
published – Dec 20, 2024 05:50 IST