SR to introduce ACD in trains: Thomas Varghese

Thiruvananthapuram, May 12 (UNI) The Southern Railway (SR) is planning to introduce the Anti Collision Devise (ACD) system on trains running between Chennai and Ernakulam, SR General Manager Thomas Varghese said today.

He told a news conference here that a sum of Rs 71 crore had already been sanctioned for the purpose and the Konkan Railway Corporation (KRC) had been entrusted with the project.

Mr Varghese said the KRC would start work on the project within two months and was expected to be completed within 18 months.

The ACD could prevent collision between trains and drivers in the locos could apply brakes on receiving signals from the opposite train running on the same track.

He said electrification work between Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram had almost been completed and the electric traction would start running from Chennai to Thiruvananthapuram by the end of next month.

Mr Varghese said track doubling work between Shoranur and Mangalore would also be completed by the end next month. The work was delayed due to shortage of concrete sleepers. Length of platforms of 19 stations would also be extended to accommodate even 24 coaches.

The Railway Board has submitted a memorandum to the Railway Ministry seeking more funds in the supplementary budget for the expansion of the Kochuveli second terminal in Thiruvananthapuram to enable operation of more trains from there in future.

As part of providing better amenities to railway passengers, the SR would start budget hotels offering accommodation at affordable rates and two locations had been identified in Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam for the purpose, Mr Varghese said.

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