Chennai: Work on the fifth and sixth lines between Moore Market Complex (MMC) and Basin Bridge junction (BBQ), at a cost of Rs 30.53 crore, has now entered its final phase.
The final phase is spread over 46 days from August 23 to October 7. During this period, there will be a restriction in movement of some trains, including diversion of certain mail/ express trains to run via Perambur –Vyasarpadi – Korukkpet and with stop at Perambur instead of Chennai Central.
“This critical project includes remodelling of BBQ yard and MMC yard, construction of the two lines and two additional platforms at MMC. We target to finish the final phase of this work in this financial year,’ said Anupam Sharma, Chennai divisional railway manager, said on Saturday.
The fifth and sixth lines between MMC and BBQ will provide a separate corridor for EMU trains towards Arakkonam to ensure uninterrupted movement of suburban trains and will reduce commuting time for passengers besides enhancing the sectional capacity.
The Moore Market Complex handles about two lakh passengers a day through 260 suburban EMU trains. This station also deals EMU from Arakkonam and Gummidipoondi, but movement of trains between MMC and BBQ is interrupted constantly as tracks are shared with long distance trains coming from the north.
“To facilitate engineering works for the fifth and sixth lines, many express trains originating from Southern Railway and other zonal railways running via Central station will be diverted via Perambur, Vyasarpadi and Korukkupet stations with a stop at Perambur between September 6 and October 7, Anupam Sharma said.
Work is in progress without disruption to train services for the past six months.
The final phase of the work requires five-hour traffic block between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. and also huge blocks at MMC between September 17 and September 19 for 52 hours. “The final phase of execution will take place for 46 days between August 23 and October 7. Passengers are requested to cooperate with railways for fast execution of the work,” Anupam said.
