Lockdown restrictions help railways expedite Tambaram-Chengalpet work

Lockdown restrictions help railways expedite Tambaram-Chengalpet work

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:14.03.2021 

Making the most of shutdown restrictions, railways is expediting laying of the third line between Tambaram and Chengalpet and laying additional lines in Tambaram yard to handle more trains for future expansion.

To speed up laying of the track between Tambaram and Guduvanchery stretch of the third line, railways reduced the number of suburban services operated for six days starting Sunday. The schedule of suburban trains was revised as there will be cross movement and restrictions to movement along tracks because of the work. Work is progressing fast as ballast has been laid and levelled and sleepers have been placed on it. Track laying machines will be used to fasten the tracks in the coming days.

“The work will slow down if suburban trains keep running as per the regular schedule. So some trains were canceled to allow the work to progress without hindrance,” said an official.

The line from Tambaram to Guduvanchery stretch will be inspected by the commissioner of railway safety once the track is ready. This is the balance portion that needs to be completed. The Guduvancherry to Chengalpet stretch is ready and was inspected by the commissioner of railway safety a couple of weeks ago. A track is also being laid at Tambaram yard so moving the trains from the new line to the yard for maintenance and checks will be easier.

Sources said the restrictions of the pandemic, which allowed railways only to operate workmen specials, have come in handy to complete these projects as reduction of trains for too many days during pre-Covid times would have affected commuters.

The new line and modification in the railway yard will allow railways to start more express trains and suburban trains from Tambaram as a terminal station to ease the load from Egmore. A few other projects, including straightening of tracks at Arakkonam and bridge repairs, were completed at the height of shutdown when only goods and Shramik special trains were being operated.

FULL STEAM AHEAD: Railways is finishing the laying of the track between Tambaram and Guduvanchery stretch of the third line