Gauge conversion in TN to be completed in next two years

Chennai, Aug 21 (UNI) Minister of state for railways R Velu today said electrification of Villupuram-Tiruchirapalli section would be completed by the end of this year.

Talking to reporters here after a review meeting, he said electric trains would be run on the section after the electrification.

The electrification of Tiruchy-Madurai section would be taken up next year, he added.

Mr Velu said all the gauge conversion works in Tamil Nadu would be completed in the next two years. ''The southern railway will complete gauge conversion to a distance of 485 km this year. The remaining 760 km line would be converted in the next two years,'' he added.

He said southern railway has been spending more on improving passenger amenities in stations. ''Last year Rs 75 crore was spent.

This year only Rs 45 crore was allocated in the budget.

It will be increased to Rs 75 crore'', he added.

Mr Velu said the platforms in main railway stations, including Chennai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirapalli, Madurai and Tirunelveli would be extended to accommodate trains with 24 coaches.

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