Work to construct a foot overbridge with lifts by Southern Railway is in progress at Walajah Gate railway station in Ranipet.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The Southern Railway has commenced the construction of foot overbridge (FOB) with lifts at Gudiyatham, Melathur, Virinchipuram and Walajah railway stations in Vellore and Ranipet districts.
Railway officials said that the construction of new bridges with lifts in identified railway stations on Chennai – Bengaluru route is part of restoration work under the Station Redevelopment Project.
These stations will also get better passenger amenities like separate arrival and departure corridors, bright LED lighting, hassle-free access to platforms through lifts and a rainwater harvesting system. “New bridges with lifts are to help senior citizens and women to switch platforms in the railway station easier and safer. It also helps them carry luggage. The entire work will be completed in nine months,” said a railway official.
As per plan, the new bridge will have at least 20 staircases on each side along the service lane of the stretch. Each facility, on an average, will cost around ₹1.5 crore including lifts (around ₹70 lakh). Shelters will be provided on the bridge with lights and CCTV cameras.
Both sides of the bridge will be fenced to prevent any accidental fall on the carriageway below the new facility. Ramps will be provided for persons with disabilities. “Small and key railway stations should have such modern facilities for long distance travellers for safe and timely access of trains. It also helps to prevent run over on the track,” said R. Vimal, a commuter.
Railway officials said that installation of lifts remains the major component of the project. Each lift, on an average, can accommodate at least 10 persons. Unlike escalators, lifts are cost effective and occupy less space. It also consumes less electricity.
Located between major railway junctions like Arakkonam and Jolarpet, these railway stations are located along Palar River on Chennai – Bengaluru – Coimbatore route. Most of these railway stations were established in the late 19th century.
On an average, each railway station where bridge work is underway handles over 150 trains, mostly express and passenger trains, every day. More than 3,000 commuters board trains at each of these railway stations daily.
At present, bridges with lifts are available at railway stations in Arakkonam, Katpadi (escalators and lifts), Jolarpet, Ambur and Vaniyambadi on the route. Railway officials said that the total distance of each bridge in these railway stations could not be the same because of the variation in number of platforms.
Published – July 23, 2026 05:30 am IST
