Despite the addition of various passenger friendly amenities, the Salem Division of the Southern Railways has shown only a gradual rise in earnings as most of the projects were under construction between November 2015 and October 2016.

While the division was able to generate a grand total of Rs. 127091.57 lakhs between 2014 and 2015, it had managed only a little better between 2015 and 2016, generating Rs. 128767.19 lakhs.

Attributing the slender increase to the general overall fall, a senior official from the division said that they could not generate much as the most of the projects were under construction.

While generating deficit amount in ATM, Catering, Freight, and Originating passengers, Parcel, Parking, Publicity and Sundry Earnings in comparison with the previous year, the division has managed to generate more revenue in Loading, other coaching, retiring rooms and ticket checking in the year.

However, with new developments including escalators, passenger waiting halls (both AC and non-AC), new station buildings and multi-level car parking facility, the division is looking forward to do better in the coming years.

According to a release from SR, escalators in Salem Junction, a passenger waiting hall in Karur Junction, a new AC waiting hall in Salem and Coimbatore junctions (including AC dormitories in Coimbatore Junction), a new multi-function complex near Salem Junction, new station buildings at Vijayamangalam and Thottipalayam (near Tiruppur) have been inaugurated, and various special trains operated this year, including the daytime express from Erode to Chennai Egmore.

In addition, preliminary works have begun for the construction of a second entry into Salem Junction to ease congestion. Installation of escalators and lifts at Coimbatore (including a sky walk connecting Platform 1-A to the foyer area) and Erode junctions have also been taken up by SR.

“We also have plans to introduce multi-level car parking at Coimbatore Junction and extension of platforms at Mettupalayam to accommodate 24 coaches. Station buildings are being constructed at Thudiyalur and a foundation stone has been laid for the construction of a new BG line between Chinna Salem and Kallakuruchi,” the official added.