Tamil Nadu   

Thanjavur-Tiruvarur gauge conversion behind schedule

Special Correspondent

Rain, contractor's failure to complete two bridges derail work

— Photo: S. S. Kumar

Gauge conversion is going on at Nidamangalam in Thiruvarur district.

THANJAVUR: : Gauge conversion between Thanjavur and Tiruvarur is behind schedule.

The project, part of the conversion of the Tiruchi-Karaikal section (covering Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagore), should have been completed on March 31 this year. It has been planned to complete the work by January 31, 2006.

Railway sources cite two reasons for the delay: rain and floods in 2004 and the failure of a contractor to complete two major bridges as per schedule. His contract has been terminated and a new contractor roped in. However, the other works are going on as per schedule.

Consumers of the Thanjavur and Tiruvarur areas want the work completed as early as possible. The closure of this section since July 1, 2004 deprived them of train services. Office-goers, college students and pilgrims do not have train services from Thanjavur to Nagapattinam. Hence, consumers want the railways to complete the gauge conversion quickly. In the Tiruchi-Karaikal section, a distance of 156 km, conversion has been completed between Tiruchi and Thanjavur. Work is going on between Thanjavur and Tiruvarur for a distance of 55 km. The budgetary allocation for the work was provided in 1995. The total cost is Rs. 194.38 crores.

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