Sat Sep 06 13:17:58 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Residents of Perugamani, near Tiruchi, India, are advocating for an overbridge instead of a proposed subway at a railway level crossing. They fear waterlogging and limitations for heavy vehicles if a subway is built, as the location is near the Cauvery River and serves as a crucial access route for 18 villages. District Collector V. Saravanan inspected the site after the railways requested permission for the subway construction. The Collector has promised a traffic analysis and consideration of residents’ concerns before making a decision. Residents have long requested an extended loop line for goods trains.
**News Article:**
**Perugamani Residents Demand Overbridge Instead of Subway at Railway Crossing**
**TIRUCHI, September 6, 2025** – A heated debate has erupted in Perugamani, near Tiruchi, as residents voice strong opposition to the Indian Railways’ plan to construct a subway at the railway level crossing (LC 65) on the Tiruchi-Karur section. Locals are instead urging the district administration and the Railways to build an overbridge, citing concerns about potential waterlogging and restrictions for agricultural vehicles.
The plea gained momentum following an inspection of the level crossing by District Collector V. Saravanan, accompanied by District Revenue Officer R. Rajalakshmi and railway officials, on Saturday. The visit was prompted by the Railways’ application for permission to proceed with the subway construction.
Residents argue that a subway would be inadequate for their needs. The railway gate serves as a vital access route for over 18 villages, including Nangavaram, Nachalur, Kavalkaranpatti, Neithalur, and Kurichi.
“The proximity of the railway gate to the Cauvery River raises concerns about frequent waterlogging in a subway, similar to issues experienced in Sirugamani and other locations,” explained N. Loganathan, a local civic activist. “Furthermore, heavy vehicles transporting farm produce would be unable to navigate through a subway. An overbridge is the only viable solution.”
Farmers have already conveyed their concerns to district authorities. Residents have been requesting the extension of the loop line at Perugamani for years to prevent road traffic disruptions caused by lengthy railway gate closures during goods train passage.
Collector Saravanan assured that the concerns are being taken seriously. “I visited the site following the Railways’ request for subway construction approval,” he stated. “I have requested a comprehensive traffic analysis to inform our decision. The aspirations of the local residents will be a key consideration.”
The district administration is expected to announce its decision in the coming days, balancing the needs of the railway infrastructure with the vital concerns of the local community.
First Piper 