Date:29/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/29/stories/2008032959090100.htm

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BG conversion to be over by May 15

M. Balaganessin

Electrification of track between Villupuram-Tiruchi to be taken up

PUDUKOTTAI: Gauge conversion on Karaikudi–Manamadurai section would be completed shortly and reopened for traffic by May 15, Union Minister of State for Railways R. Velu said.

Addressing the media here on Friday, Mr. Velu said that the Commissioner of Railway Safety would inspect the track before May 15 following which trains would be operated.

Skilled manpower from West Bengal and Orissa were hired for track-linking and track-welding works.

Mr. Velu said that modernisation of railway stations and provision of additional passenger amenities had been taken up at several stations in Tamil Nadu.

In Madurai division alone, works were being executed at an expenditure of Rs.40 crore.

An additional sum of Rs.22.5 crore has been sanctioned.

The Minister promised to consider the demand for operating a day-time express train between Karaikudi and Chennai. Electrification of the track between Villupuram and Tiruchi will be taken up this year.

The Railways adopted “advanced well foundation technology” instead of pile foundation for the construction of a bridge across the Coleroon river near Chidambaram on the Chennai– Rameswaram section.