Tue Jun 17 16:08:39 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Southern Railway General Manager R.N. Singh inspected railway stations in the Coimbatore region (including Podanur, Coimbatore North, Tiruppur, and soon Mettupalayam, Coonoor, and Ooty) to review the progress of modernization works under the Amrit Bharat Station Development Scheme. A significant focus is on developing Podanur Station as a second terminal for Coimbatore, with ₹100 crore allocated for the project. Ongoing improvements at various stations include new lifts, escalators, platform upgrades, waiting rooms, and passenger reservation centers, aimed at enhancing passenger convenience and comfort. The Tiruppur station upgrades are expected to be completed within six months.

**News Article:**

**Southern Railway Invests Heavily in Coimbatore Region Station Upgrades**

**COIMBATORE, June 17, 2025** – Southern Railway is investing heavily in upgrading railway stations in the Coimbatore region, aiming to improve passenger experience and increase capacity. General Manager R.N. Singh conducted extensive inspections of several stations, including Podanur Junction, Coimbatore North, and Tiruppur, on Tuesday, June 17th, to assess the progress of ongoing modernization projects under the Amrit Bharat Station Development Scheme.

A key focus of the development is transforming Podanur Junction into a second terminal for Coimbatore. ₹100 crore has been allocated to the project, which will enable trains to originate and terminate at Podanur, mirroring the services currently offered at Coimbatore Junction.

At Podanur, Mr. Singh reviewed the work already underway as part of a ₹24 crore initiative that started in 2023, which focuses on passenger amenities. He also examined progress on the installation of lifts and platform improvements. Panna Lal, Divisional Railway Manager of Salem Division, and N. Ganga Raju, Chief Project Manager, accompanied Mr. Singh during the inspections.

Significant upgrades are also underway at Coimbatore North, including the addition of lifts, modernized waiting rooms, and extended platforms. Inspections of the Mettupalayam, Coonoor, and Ooty stations, also slated for modernization, are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.

Earlier in the day, officials visited Tiruppur Railway Station, where a ₹15 crore project is underway. This includes re-laying platforms, constructing retiring rooms, air-conditioned waiting areas, and installing escalators, lifts, and a passenger reservation center. Railway officials expressed confidence that the Tiruppur upgrades will be completed within the next six months.

The Amrit Bharat Station Development Scheme aims to modernize railway infrastructure across the country, providing passengers with enhanced comfort and convenience.

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