No smooth track for third terminal at Royapuram

CHENNAI: Several substantial issues need to addressed if the Royapuram Railway Station is to be made into the city’s third terminal. After inspecting the station here to explore the possibilities of converting it into a full-fledged terminal, Executive Director (Coaching) of the Railway Board Mukesh Nigam told Members of Parliament, T K S Elangovan (North Chennai) and N S V Chithan (Dindigul), and  representatives of the local people that several issues were involved in it.Nigam said the Electric Loco Shed had been functioning on Royapuram station premises for five years now and this may need relocation if the terminal is planned here. Pointing out that the railways had almost reached an understanding with the Chennai Port authorities over acquiring a portion of the port land for quadrupling the railway line, he said the railways had promised to part with its printing press premises within the Royapuram station complex in return. Also, a portion of the land is with Thirumalai Chemicals Limited.“It is to be seen if they will part with the land,” he said, adding that an electronic weigh bridge owned by the railways also was in that area. “This area is a hub for heavy commercial vehicles. The subway that is coming up near Stanley hospital cannot accommodate big trucks. When we talk of a passenger railway terminal, heavy vehicular traffic may be a hindrance. This has to be seen,” Nigam said.Indicating that the cramped low roof bridges like the one at Mannarsami Koil Street could pose obstacles, he said,  “Our rail passenger association friends want us to take a bold decision by pulling down the century-old bridge. All these need to be debated.”