Work on gauge conversion gains momentum in TN

Coimbatore: The Union Minister of State for Railways, Mr R. Velu, said electrification, gauge conversion and line doubling works were gaining momentum in Tamil Nadu.

While the gauge conversion of 450 km would be complete this year, the remaining 700 km would be over within the next two years, he said after inspecting the on going works in and around Coimbatore this morning.

The line doubling work is on in the 272 km Villupuram - Tiruchirapalli - Dindigul section. It is on an estimated outlay of Rs 822 cr, and electrification of the Madurai - Tuticorin, Maniyachi - Nagercoil section has been estimated at Rs 146 cr.

The gauge conversion work on the Dindigul - Palani - Pollachi - Coimbatore stretch and the Pallakad - Pollachi stretch would be complete in about two years time, he said.

On introduction of new trains and regularisation of existing special trains, Mr Velu said, “Coach shortage across the country is around 1,000. In Tamil Nadu it is over 115 coaches. With the turnout of 3,500 coaches from the three manufacturing facilities, the department is tiding over the situation. However, within the next five years, three more facilities would become operational and ease the pressure.”

The Railways has introduced the Jan Sadharan scheme to ease the crowd at current booking counters especially during peak hours. This has been introduced at major stations. Mr Velu said that private parties would be engaged for issuance of the ticket for a nominal commission.

To a question on the delay in completion of projects, the minister said land acquisition and contractual failures led to the delay. “We have sought the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs and Finance Ministry for revision of the rate schedule since Railways will not be able to take a unilateral decision,” he said referring to contractual failures.