Railway Board gives green signal for Arsikere-Tumakuru track-doubling

Track-doubling between Arsikere and Tumakuru in the Mysuru division of the South Western Railway has got a new impetus with the Railway Board issuing fresh directions that work should commence by October 1.

This is part of the emphasis on augmenting track capacity by doubling existing single-line tracks on high density routes. The survey for the project was approved in the 2013-14 Railway Budget and the 96 km stretch is expected to cost Rs. 347 crore.

Order issued

Sources in the South Western Railway HQ at Hubbali told

The Hindu that the zonal office has issued a communiqué directing officials to finalise the yard plans and prepare a detailed cost estimates, so as to submit it to the Railway Board by May 20.

All procedures, including finalising plans and estimates should be done by September and actual work should commence by October 1, as per the communique, said sources.

The Arsikere-Tumakuru stretch is a high-density route but the existing single line track is highly saturated and additional services cannot be operated without compromising on speed.

The track-capacity utilisation – which is the maximum number of trains that can be operated on a section – between Arsikere and Tumakuru is in excess of 125 per cent, sources added. Hence, the early completion of the doubling works will not only reduce travel time but will facilitate the authorities to introduce additional train service on the stretch. Sources pointed out that the NDA government’s emphasis is on capacity building and not introducing new trains on existing tracks that are already saturated. Once completed, the Arsikere-Tumakuru stretch will add to the double line stretch in Karnataka. At present, only the Mysuru-Bengaluru (139 km) stretch, which is nearing completion; Ariskere-Biruru-Hosadurga (90 km), Bengaluru-Tumakuru (70 km) and Bengaluru-Bangarpet (70 km) sections have double-line link.

The rest of the State is served by single line tracks, which poses severe limitations on introducing new services or increasing speed. The other route in the Mysuru division which has received funds for track doubling is between Chikjajur and Hubbali.

Passenger amenities

Besides preparing the ground work for track doubling, officials have been directed to provide details of passenger amenities for various stations enroute.

The officials have also been told to execute the ongoing projects pertaining to platform shelters, etc., keeping in view the proposed double line, so that they need not be dismantled and reconstructed later.