55 New Railway Passenger Platforms Introduced Last Year

Estonian Technical Surveillance Authority press release
26.01.2012

In 2011 the Estonian Technical Surveillance Authority (TSA) issued usage permits for 55 modernized passenger platforms. The platforms are adjusted to the needs of the new passenger trains arriving to Estonia in 2013. The large-scale program for renovating passenger platforms was started in 2008 when the Technical Surveillance Authority issued usage permits to 7 new platforms. In 2009 were taken into use 7 and in 2010 31 new platforms.

Raigo Uukkivi, Director General of TSA explained that before the new platforms are issued construction and usage permits, a large portion of work must be done in cooperation with both railway companies and local governments. “We advise railway companies in choosing right location for the platforms and linking them with other railway structures and train traffic requirements. We also assess the compliance of platforms with all applicable requirements and safety. Cooperation with local governments is for us very important, as the construction of platforms has to consider with regional development plans,” added Raigo Uukkivi.

In the process of renovation the existing platforms are made lower so that they would comply with all the requirements necessary for the introduction of new trains and improving service quality.

During the construction process particular attention is paid to ensuring safety. All the stops are designed so that safe areas are clearly marked. The pedestrian railway crossings are built considering the needs of both passengers and train operations in order to ensure the most optimal movement routes and safety.

An important step forward comparing to the previous situation are the special surfaces, steps and ramps that allow the platforms to be accessed by persons with reduced mobility. In addition, there is the opportunity to equip the platforms later with ticket selling machines and electronic displays.

The reconstruction of all the platforms will be completed by the time of introducing new passenger trains. A uniform approach to building the platforms will ensure that using them would be easier, more comfortable and safer all around the country.

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Additional information:

Anu Võlma
Chief Specialist of Public Relations
Technical Surveillance Authority
Sõle 23A, 10614 Tallinn
Tel 667 2031
Mob 50 11 585
Anu.Volma@tja.ee