Railways focussing on gauge conversion work: Velu

Vriddachalam, Tamil Nadu, June 7 (UNI) The guage conversion work on the Vriddachalam-Salem Section will be completed by September and rail traffic allowed from November, Union Minister of State for Railways R Velu today said.

Speaking to reporters after inspecting the modernisation work on the Railway station here, Mr Velu said the safety inspection of the Rs 187-crore gauge conversion project will take place in October.

The project will connect several places including, Tuticorin, Cuddalore and Mettur giving an impetus to passenger and cargo traffic.

The Railways has also sent a proposal to the state government for laying a new line between Chinnasalem and Kallakurichi.

Under the proposal, the state government will have to bear half the project cost. Work will begin soon after government gives its approval.

When the UPA Government assumed office at the Centre, the total metre gauge lines in Tamil Nadu comprised 1,800 km. This has drastically reduced to 324 km.

Survey work was on in several sections, including Mayiladhuthurai-Karaikudi and Tiruthuraipoondi-Vedaranyam sections for gauge conversion work.

Mr Velu also said gauge conversion work on the Villupuram-Mayiladhuthurai section will begin soon. The Railways had already called for tenders.

The Railways will also take up gauge conversion work on Pamban Bridge at an estimated cost of Rs 50 crore.

Work on a second broad gauge line on the Chengalpattu-Villupuram section will also begin soon, he added.

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