KOZHIKODE: The much-awaited gauge conversion work along the Palakkad-Pollachi line has been completed and is pending for inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). The work on the 55- km route commenced eight years ago but ran into rough weather due to financial constraints.
“Almost all works are over. We are hoping to receive a date from the CRS office, Bengaluru, in two weeks. Before the CRS inspection, a trial run will be conducted,” said Palakkad additional division railway manager (ADRM) Mohan A. Menon.
The line is the culmination phase of gauge conversion in the Dindigul-Palani-Pollachi-Palakkad stretch. On commissioning, this section will provide an alternative link to the rail network in south Tamil Nadu.
The new broad gauge line will improve rail connectivity between north Kerala and the pilgrim centres in southern Tamil Nadu such as Rameswaram, Erwadi, Madurai and Palani.
Of the 55-km stretch, 22 kilometres are in Tamil Nadu. Work on all five stations, including Palakkad town station and loco shed at Vadakannikapuram, has been completed.
The metre-gauge line between Pollachi and Palakkad was closed down in 2008 with an assurance that it would be reopened in 16 months as a broad gauge.
Once the route is commissioned, there are expectations that new services would be allowed in due course of time.
The Thiruvananthapuram-Palakkad Amrita Express is likely to be extended to Pollachi. In the metre-gauge, there were 10 train services in both directions.
