The Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has taken up track doubling works on two stretches beyond Tiruchi as part of the ongoing doubling project from Villupuram to Dindigul.
Works are under way in the nearly 25-km stretch from Manapparai to Kolathur and in the portion from Dindigul to Vadamadurai (16 km).
The RVNL, a special purpose vehicle and a wholly owned government company, is executing the doubling project in different portions in the 270 km section from Villupuram to Dindigul at a cost of around Rs. 1,200 crore.
Railway officials said the track linking works in the Manapparai – Kolathur and Dindigul – Vadamadurai stretches had commenced following completion of earthwork and construction of new bridges.
About 80 minor bridges had been constructed in both portions with loco trials on the newly laid second track expected to be done before March.
The organisation would approach the district administration authorities seeking land that was required for executing the project, said an official.
A new station building would be constructed at Kalpattichatram between Manapparai and Dindigul Junction while additional buildings would come up in the existing stations falling within the two stretches.
The officials said the ongoing track doubling work in the 25-km portion from Kallakudi Palanganatham to Ariyalur, falling in the Tiruchi–Ariyalur BG section, was apace.
New station buildings have been constructed at Kallagam and Sillakudi and doubling works were expected to be completed by February after which the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) would be invited to inspect the second track.
The RVNL had commissioned the double line between Valadi and Kallakudi Palanganatham (25 km) in July upon obtaining the mandatory clearance from the CRS.
The organisation had taken up doubling work in the Valadi–Kallakudi Palanganatham–Ariyalur (50 km) portion on priority as it was a crucial segment in the Villupuram–Tiruchi chord line section and to reduce congestion especially at night.
