The newly laid broad gauge line between Villupuram and Mayiladuthurai has been cleared by the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety for passenger traffic.
Chief Commissioner Sudhir Kumar, who inspected the 122-km track and conducted speed trail on Wednesday, issued the clearance certificate.
He cleared the track for a speed of 75 kmph which could be increased to 100 kmph in phases. Clearance by the Safety Commissioner is mandatory for operating passenger services. Subsequently, Southern Railway had written to the Railway Ministry seeking permission for starting passenger services on the new line, according to R. Ramanathan, Chief Administrative Officer, Southern Railway.
