The vibrant industrial city of Salem, is home to the famous Salem Steel plant as well as the unique and delicious variety of Mangoes known as “Malgova, due to which Salem City is hailed as the ‘Mango City of Tamil Nadu’. The Salem Steel Plant of SAIL (Steel Authority of India Ltd.) manufactures the famous Salem Steel Stainless products, for both large industrial houses as well as other domestic users. The Steel City is also one of the largest producers of traditional silver anklets in the region. Salem City also boasts of large textile, automotive, Poultry and sago industries and is the fifth largest Urban agglomeration in the state after Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore and Tiruchchirappalli. Salem also has one of the largest magnetite deposits in India and major companies like Dalmia and TAANMAG have mines here.
With such industrial and urban importance, Salem Jn railway station, the railhead serving the city of Salem assumes an important role in passenger as well as cargo transportation in the region. Now ,the Junction Railway Station which is having a daily footfall of more than 50,000 passengers, is undergoing a remarkable transformation under the ambitious Amrit Bharat Station Scheme at a cost of Rs.45 Crores.The upgradation aims to turn Salem Jn rail station into a world-class transport hub, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and inclusive infrastructure for passengers and visitors.
Improvements to basic passenger amenities
- The ongoing redevelopment works include a host of improvements to enhance basic passenger amenities, including renovation of the concourse, waiting hall, ticket counters, VIP Lounge, etc.
- The circulating area of the station is being redeveloped / beautified. The façade of the station is also being transformed aesthetically.
- Toilet facilities are being improved to better standards.
- The entry and points of the station and the circulating area of the station are being modified to provide easy access for vehicles, and pedestrian walkways will be developed for the convenience of commuters.
- Passenger platforms will receive significant attention, with the addition of benches, water taps, and shelters, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant experience for travelers.
- A New Foot Over Bridge, connected with Lifts and Escalators, will also be constructed.
Water Supply, Sanitation and Drainage arrangements
In line with the Amrit Bharat Scheme’s commitment to water supply, sanitation, and drainage arrangements, the upgradation works include the construction of a septic tank and storm water drains. Additional submersible pumps will be installed to maximize water availability from bore wells and open wells, catering to the growing needs of the station and its passengers.
Feel Good initiatives
A ‘Feel Good’ approach has been adopted to elevate the overall ambience of Salem Jn station, both by design, elevation and colour scheme. The Second Entry of the station will be developed so that it can cater to more number of passengers. The OSOP, i.e.., One Station One Product Scheme of Indian Railways, has introduced many a visiting passenger to the local flavours of Salem, especially food products and textiles.
Facilities for differently-abled
The upgradation plan also focuses on catering to the needs of all passengers, including those with disabilities. To promote inclusivity, platforms will be equipped with 1.125-meter-wide edge strips, featuring factory-made tactile coping slabs, facilitating safe and convenient boarding and alighting for differently abled passengers.
Energy conservation
To promote energy efficiency, sustainable practices, such as tapping into non-conventional energy sources, will be adopted. LED lights will be used throughout the station buildings to provide better illumination while consuming lesser power. Furthermore, low-height masts with LED lights will grace the station’s streets, promoting energy-saving street lighting.
Development Works Completed / Nearing Completion
- The Station’s Portico is being extended for providing Drop Off / Pick Up points.
- Improvements to the Terminal Building, including improvements to the façade, are under progress.
- Platform Fencing of Platform 1 & 2 has been provided; finishing works are under progress.
- Works are underway for providing a Dedicated Bus Bay in the circulating area in the main entry of the station.
- The toilet on Platform No.1 has been renovated.
The redevelopment of Salem Jn station under the Amrit Bharat Scheme aligns with the broader goal of developing stations as ‘City Centers,’ contributing to the integration of both sides of the city. The redesign and modernization of station buildings, along with well-designed passenger amenities and inter-modal integration, will enhance the overall travel experience.
