Mayiladhuthurai-Villupuram guage conversion by Mar 2009

Tiruchirapalli, Jan 30 (UNI) The ongoing gauge conversion work between Mayiladuthurai and Villupuram is expected to be completed by March 2009, Southern Railway General Manager Rokesh Chopra said today.

Talking to newspersons after inspecting the railway hospital Goldenrock and other railway installations here, Mr Chopra pointed out that the Southern Railway had sent many proposals to the Railway Board but he would not reveal it in view of the coming Railway Budget.

The Karailkal-Salem new broadgauge railway line proposal was already with the Railway Board to take a final decision on it, he said.

Replying to a question, he said the electrification of 154 km broadgauge line between Villupuram and Tiruchi would be completed by September this year and from Tiruchirapalli to Madurai by December next year.

The wiring between Villupuram and Ariyalur was complete and the foundation work for erecting masts from Ariyalur to Goldenrock was over, he said, adding that three 110 KW substations were being set up one each at Vriddhachalam, Ariyalur and Tiruchirapalli.

The work had started in Vriddhachalam and Ariyalur.

Stating that an electrified track was presently available between Chennai Egmore and Villupuram, he said if the electrification was extended to Madurai, it would reduce the running time of all trains on the section to a considerable extent, besides saving a substantial quantity of diesel.

UNI RV ROY DS DS1622