Date:02/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/02/stories/2008090251970100.htm

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Railway track inspected

Special Correspondent

RAMANATHAPURAM: A team of railway officials from Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), Lucknow, on Monday inspected the Madurai-Rameswaram railway track and conducted various tests.

They also carried out several tests on the Pamban railway bridge. The team tested the track components such as rail clips, sleepers, rails and others. Various sophisticated machinery and equipment were used for the Oscillation Monitoring System recording and other tests.

The authorities said it was done basically to improve the railway track to provide safety to passengers. Based on the findings, follow up measures would be taken.

The Rameswaram-Madurai broad gauge line was reopened for traffic in August 2007. It was resumed after carrying out some modification works on the Pamban railway bridge between Mandapam and Pamban. Similarly, traffic on Rameswaram –Tiruchi via Manamadurai and Karaikudi broad gauge line was resumed a few weeks ago. However, trains are being run at a speed of 60 kmph on these sections. The speed on the Pamban bridge is limited to 15 kmph. Passengers demand that the train speed on Madurai-Rameswaram and Rameswaram-Tiruchi routes be increased on par with other sections. Officials said much attention was being given to strengthening the track based on standard procedures, wherever it was required. The results of studies would be taken into account before arriving at a decision on increasing the speed of trains, they said.