The Hindu : Front Page : Broad gauge line to be ready by May 15

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Broad gauge line to be ready by May 15

Staff Reporter

Between Karaikudi and Manamadurai

SIVAGANGA: Broad gauge conversion work between Karaikudi and Manamadurai would be completed before May 15, said Minister of State for Railways, R. Velu, on Friday.

Work on four out of five major bridges had already been completed. Work on most of the 192 minor bridges had also been completed.

Mr. Velu was speaking to reporters while making an on-the-spot assessment of the progress of conversion work, accompanied by the Divisional Railway Manager, Hemant Kumar, and Chief Engineer, Southern Railway, Rajesh Argal. The Minister visited Karaikudi, Kallal, Sivaganga and Manamadurai.

He said a combination of factors, including steep increase in prices of construction materials and unusual rain, had delayed the work. However, officials had been directed to complete the work before May 15 so as to ask the Commissioner for Railway Safety to clear the route for operating trains.

Mr. Velu said the Sethu express from Rameswaram to Chennai would be diverted via Manamadurai, Karaikudi and Tiruchi after opening the route for traffic. Rameswaram-Bhubaneswar Express, which was announced in the previous budget, would be introduced soon. The Rameswaram-Chennai Express, via Manamadurai, Karaikudi and Mayiladuthurai, and Rameswaram-Kasi Express would be operated before December 31 on the main line.

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