The Hindu : New Delhi News : Inauguration of four rail projects soon, says Velu

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Inauguration of four rail projects soon, says Velu

J. Balaji

NEW DELHI: Four railway projects in Tamil Nadu will be inaugurated soon, pending approval of the Commissioner of Railway Safety, R. Velu, Minister of State for Railways, said on Saturday.

Talking to The Hindu, he said of the projects – gauge conversion of Katpadi-Vellore (10 km); Tiruvarur-Nagore (31 km); Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur (62 km) and laying of a new line between Athipattu and Ennore (6 km) – the Tirunelveli project was a major one completed at a cost of Rs.93 crore. On the Tiruvarur-Nagore section, Rs.45 crore was spent.

The opening of the new lines would help passengers, besides boosting revenue as they connect important destinations. The Tirunveli-Tiruchendur section would be a boon to salt traders from Arumuganeri and other businessmen. The line was closed for gauge conversion in early 2006. The broad gauge line had 187 small and medium bridges. As per the earlier plan, it should have been opened in June 2007 but it got delayed due to “operational difficulties.” The new line is expected to reduce journey time between Tirunelveli and Tiruchendur by at least 30 minutes as trains with a speed over 110 kmph could be operated.

The new line between Ennore and Athipattu would save the running time of goods trains carrying iron ore, coal, minerals and containers to the Ennore port from various Southern States.

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