Trichy Railway Division Initiates Crucial Maintenance at Melapudur Road Under Bridge
The Trichy railway division commenced significant maintenance operations at the Melapudur road under bridge (RuB) on Sunday, focusing on the replacement of aging steel girders that support the railway tracks connecting Trichy Junction and Palakkarai railway station. This essential work, valued at approximately Rs 86 lakh, aims to enhance safety and structural integrity as part of the railway's periodic maintenance schedule.
Traffic Diversions and Closure Details
In response to the closure of the RuB for the maintenance activities, Trichy city police have implemented comprehensive traffic diversions to manage vehicular flow. The subway is scheduled to reopen at 9 am on January 28, which falls on a Wednesday. During this period, vehicular movement through the Melapudur RuB will be entirely suspended, although train operations on the affected tracks will only be partially impacted.
Police authorities have sealed the entry and exit points of the subway at the Palakkarai RoB end and the HPO traffic signal end since Sunday morning. Railway workers have begun demolishing a section of the median on the state highways department-managed road to facilitate the removal and replacement of the old steel girders.
Specific Diversion Routes for Commuters
To mitigate disruptions, the city traffic police have outlined specific diversion routes:
- Vehicles from Trichy Junction and Central Bus Stand: These will be redirected via Convent Road, Bhima Nagar, and the Cauvery theatre to reach the Palakkarai Prabhat roundabout.
- Vehicles from Gandhi Market and Chathiram Bus Stand: These will take alternative paths via Mudaliyar Chathiram and Good Shed Bridge to access Kallukuzhi and the HPO signal.
Technical Specifications and Safety Measures
The maintenance project involves replacing two steel girders, each measuring 20 meters in length and with a combined weight of 50 tonnes. Officials emphasized that this replacement is critical to ensuring the safety of railway operations, as the girders had reached the end of their service life and required updating to meet current standards.
Anticipated Traffic Congestion and Broader Context
The diversions are expected to lead to increased traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. This situation is compounded by the ongoing closure of two other railway RoBs near Trichy Fort and Trichy Junction railway station, which are also undergoing renovation work. Commuters are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and allow for extra travel time during this maintenance period.
