Southern Railway became the first zonal railway to complete installation of Integrated Security Systems (ISS).

Chengalpet-Villupuram track doubling to complete by March

Chengalpattu (CGL): The railway will complete doubling of tracks between Chengalpattu and Villupuram by March this year, Southern Railway general manager Rakesh Misra has said.

The Southern Railway has completed 4.3km of quadrupling of Ennore – Athipattu line, which is part of the Chennai Beach – Athipattu fourth line project.

” We have also completed 63km of gauge conversion works between Palani – Pollachi and doubling between Ariyalur – Kallakudi Palanganatham (25 km) and Tindivanam – Perani (19km),” he said while speaking at a Republic Day function here on Monday.

He said the railways has introduced direct suburban services between Tiruvallur and Velachery to benefit suburban passengers.

“Two additional platforms have been commissioned at Tambaram railway station. One more platform at Chennai Beach will be commissioned by March this year which will improve punctuality on the Chennai Beach – Tambaram section. Works for fifth and sixth lines between Chennai Central – Basin Bridge stations has been started”, he said.

Misra said railway electrification works have been completed in Virudhunagar – Tirunelveli and Villupuram – Katpadi sections and now trains are running on electric traction from Chennai till Tirunelveli.

He claimed that Southern Railway became the first zonal railway to complete installation of Integrated Security Systems (ISS).

“We have implemented ISS in 14 railway stations. In addition, to enhance the security of our esteemed passengers, 242 mail/express trains, including suburban trains, are escorted daily with 456 RPF staff”.

He said that remaining budget announced trains will be introduced in this financial year itself, leaving no backlog for the next year.

Southern Railway had run 304 special trains till December, apart from augmenting capacity by additional 5440 coaches in regular trains. Also, 36 coaches were added to various trains during the current year.

“Southern Railway has maintained the punctuality performance at 93%,” he said.