Chennai: In a major boost to rail infrastructure in Tamil Nadu, the Southern Railway is all set to kick-start doubling with electrification works in southern districts. Union minister of state of railway Rajen Gohain would lay foundation stone for three projects collectively estimated at a cost of Rs 3,618.22 crore in a function to be held at Nagercoil on Tuesday.
According to the Southern Railway officials, Madurai — Vanchi Maniyachi — Tuticorin section stretch extending 160 km would be upgraded to double line and electrified at a cost of Rs 1,182.38 crore.
Vanchi Maniyachi - Tirunelveli - Nagercoil section extending 102 km would be converted into double line and electrified at a cost of Rs 1,003.94 crore.
“Doubling with electrification of Thiruvananthapuram Central and Kanyakumari section (86.56 km) work will be done at a cost of Rs 1,431.90 crore,” the official said.
Southern Railway has envisaged completing the projects covering 349 km in 3 years. “On completion, the farthest point peninsula will be connected to rest of the country with the electrified fast alternative double line,” the official added.
Once the project is completed, more numbers of MEMU, intercity, mail and express trains may be introduced to connect important coaching terminals at Trivandrum and Kanniyakumari. In addition, one coaching terminal is being proposed at Nemam. This project will provide connectivity to Nemam, according to a railway statement.
In addition to laying the foundations for doubling work, Minister Rajen Gohain also would inaugurate escalator, Wi-Fi services and 100 per cent LED lightings at Nagercoil Junction. Union Minister Pon. Radhakrishnan and Southern Railway general manager R.K. Kulshrestha are also expected to participate in the event.
The zonal railway is also undertaking doubling work at Omalur-Mettur Dam (29 km), gauge conversion works at Pattukottai — Karaikkudi (70 km) and Pattukottai — Tiruvarur (76 km).
