MADURAI: Mr.V.R.Lenin, Divisional Railway Manager, Southern Railway, Madurai, held a virtual press meet on 19th August 2020 regarding the developmental and ongoing projects over Madurai Division.
Highlights of the pressmeet are as follows.
Like other sectors, the outbreak of Covid-19 posed challenges to Railway also. As the pandemic affected passenger train operations, Madurai Railway Division served the society in a better way by operating goods trains more efficiently and utilising the opportunity to ramp up works like Track, Traction, Signalling works, which are difficult during normal passenger trains operations.
During this pandemic situation, First ever Doubling south of Madurai was commissioned during July 2020 in 44 km section (Kadambur- Vanchi Maniyachi-Tattapparai / Vanchi Maniyachi-Gangaikondan), which would facilitate faster train movements towards Tuticorin / Tirunelveli.
Likewise, Milavittan yard was modified to facilitate construction of new line towards Melamaruthur. The Madurai–Usilampatti Gauge conversion was commissioned in February 2020, just prior to lock down.
All these commissioning have been done with “State-of-art” technology such as electronic interlocking.
Madurai – Tuticorin-Tirunelveli Doubling:
| Total length = 188 Kms Commissioned so far = 44 Kms Cost (approx). = 2000 Cr. |
Madurai – Bodinayakkanur Gauge Conversion:
| Total length = 90 Kms Commissioned so far = 37 Kms Cost = 450 Cr.Completion Target = Sep 2021 |
New Pamban Bridge Viaduct:
| Total length = 2078 metres Length of navigation span = 72.5 metres Type of navigation span = Vertical LiftCost = 279 Cr. Tentative Target = Sept-2021 Suitable for Double line and Electric Traction. |
Rameswarm – Dhanuskodi Line:
| Total length = 18.7 Kms Cost = 208.3 Cr. |
Madurai – Tuticorin via Aruppukkottai New Line:
| Total length = 135 Kms Cost from Milavatan to Melamardur = 120 Cr. |
There was speed restriction of 15 kmph in Samayanallur yard due to track geometry. Removal of the same required elaborate work. Likewise, insertion of concrete block for removal of level crossing at LC gate 37 near Tirunelveli required blocking of train movements for 18 hours. Utilising the opportunity, Madurai Railway Division carried out numerous such track, traction and signalling related works instead of sitting idle.
Construction of new Viaduct at Pamban was progressed which would facilitate electrification and Doubling in the section. Until completion of construction works, it was imperative to maintain and critically monitor the existing Pamban viaduct for which apart from carrying out heavy repairs, a system was installed with the help of IIT Chennai to remotely monitor the health of this old Bridge which has completed its life.
Numerous works related to track renewal, formation strengthening etc. had been carried.
Madurai Railway Division has been forerunner in serving the society during the pandemic. It has transported 35618 passengers from various station through 35 Shramik Specials.
Railways have enhanced its freight services by transporting essential commodities like food grains, medicines etc. during this period. The Division converted part of its Madurai Railway Hospital for Covid Management, which was a great help to the society including Railway and Police officials.
Apart from providing help in Covid Management, Railway doctors continued to serve other Non-Covid patients with serious ailments like cancer, etc. So far around 220 persons have been discharged after cure of Covid from Railway Hospital.
Good trains speeds were raised from 24.4 kmph last year to 41 kmph despite execution of several infrastructure works.
There has been growth of 23% in freight revenue from Rs. 58.15 Cr previous year to Rs. 71.56 Cr this year in the same period. There has been an increase of 66.5% in freight loading in terms of tonnage from 3.46 Lakh Tonne previous year to 5.76 Lakh Tonne this year.
Division has loaded 9,249 wagons this year which is 57.6% more than the previous year figure of 5,867 wagons.
