Press Release

Palakad: The142nd meeting of Divisional Railway Users’ Consultative Committee of Palakkad Division(DRUCC) was held at Railway Divisional Office today (28th July 2010). There are  35 member committee comprises of representatives from State Govts. of Kerala , Tamil Nadu and Karnataka,  Nominees by MPs, Chamber of Commerce,  Merchants Association, Railway Passenger Associations, Consumer Protection Council etc. out of these 21 members attended the meeting.  Shri S.K.Raina, Divisional Railway Manger,who is also chairman of the  DRUCC presided over the meeting.
In his presidential address, Shri Raina explained various developmental works undertaken by division. During the year 2009 – 10 Rupees 17.28 crores were spent by the division for improving passenger amenity at various stations. In this financial year, works worth Rs 4 crores is already completed and Rs.86 crores work are under progress.  Division has set up 37 computerized reservation centres including 15 integrated passenger reservation system/ unreserved ticketing system and 51 unreserved ticketing counters.  In order to reduce peak time rush at counters 16 Jan Sadharan Ticket Booking Sevaks are already functioning and another will be commissioned soon . Allotment of additional 12 such agencies are under process. Division has 6 food plazas  at Mangalore Central, Kannur, Kozhikode, Tirur, Shoranur and Palakkad Junction.
At Mangalore Central station  a second Foot Over Bridge , new booking office and improvement in circulating area is sanctioned. Integrated security system will soon come up at Mangalore  central by spending Rs.3.49 crores. There is a proposals to provide passenger lifts at Mangalore.
At Kannur sanctioned works include construction of second entry booking office and shifting of reservation system to new building, paving of parking area and improvement in circulating area and face lifting of station in general. Passenger lift, and concreting of tracks in platform is also proposed at Kannur.
At Kozhikode new ticketing complex was commissioned recently. Integrated security system is sanctioned at a cost of Rs.3.57 crores in addition to bomb detection and disposal squad . Passenger lifts to connect platforms, a new Foot Over Bridge with ramps  and  Escalators are the new amenities sanctioned for Kozhikode. Additional works proposed to  include coach guidance system, concreting of tracks in platform area etc.
He also said that MEMU shed at palakkad is nearing compeletion and expected to be commissioned in November 2010. Introduction of additional MEMU service will begin on receipt of MEMU rakes. Palakkad – Pollachi gauge conversion work is targeted for completion by 2011 and on completion of doubling work between Shoranur and Mangalore, Electrification of the section would begin and  Rs. 320 crores is sanctioned for this work. . The members actively participated in the deliberations and discussed various matters like introduction of new trains stoppages, and additional passenger amenities etc.
Shri K.P.Damodaran, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager and secretary DRUCC welcomed the Members and  and Shri S. Subramanian Senior Divisional Divisional  Operations Manager proposed vote of thanks