Travel time between Thanjavur and Tiruchi by rail is set to get reduced following the electrification of the track.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of speed trial test conducted by the Railway Safety Commissioner (South), Bengaluru, K.A.Manoharan on Saturday between Thanjavur and Tiruchi, railway officials said currently it took about 45 minutes for express and 55 minutes for passenger services to reach Tiruchi as the coaches were hauled by diesel locomotives. With the electrification, the speed of trains would be increased bringing down the travelling time considerably. Electric locos would be pressed into service after 20 days from the date of inspection by the Rail Safety Commissioner.
Almost all the works relating to the electrification of the 153-kilometre track between Tiruchi and Karaikal with a 25 kilowatt substation near Thanjavur Junction erected at a total cost of ₹250 crore had been completed.
For the trial run, an electric loco hauling an eight-coach rake left Thanjavur around 3.35 p.m.
Meanwhile, Railway Users’ Association of Thanjavur has sought extension of three trains originating from Tiruchi to Thanjavur and a new train to Palani. The association said the Intercity Express between Thiruvananthanpuram and Tiruchi; Howrah Express between Howrah and Tiruchi; and Palakad Town- Tiruchi trains be extended to Thanjavur for the benefit of passengers in the Thanjavur region. The Mayiladuthurai-Thanjavur train, which remains idle for more than seven hours at Thanjavur junction, could be extended up to Palani.
Passengers from Adhiramapattinam want the railways to revive the suspended train services as early as possible.
