Brisk movement of coal on new Karaikal-Peralam railway line

The Karaikal-Peralam broadgauge section has been witnessing brisk movement of coal in bulk quantities ever since the 23.5-km stretch was opened for traffic last month. 

Falling under the limits of the Tiruchi Railway Division, the section saw the resumption of rail traffic after a gap of over 40 years following statutory clearance given by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, Southern Circle, Bengaluru in May last week.

A little over 40 rakes containing coal have been operated through this new section alone till now since June 11 when the first freight movement commenced. About five rakes are being operated daily on this section with each rake consisting of 58 wagons, said divisional railway officials.

Coal is being transported from Karaikal private port to a private power plant at Puduchathram near Chidambaram in Cuddalore district and to Mettur in Salem district. About 1.71 lakh tonnes of coal has been transported through the Karaikal-Peralam electrified section till now since its opening last month, the officials said.

The BOBRN type wagons are being deployed for transportation of coal in bulk quantities from Karaikal private port via Thirunallar and Peralam to the destination concerned. Prior to the opening of this section, coal used to be transported through freight wagons from Karaikal via Nagore, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, and Mayiladuthurai to Puduchathram which was a circuitous one. The new section has reduced the journey time to reach Puduchathram via Peralam and Mayiladuthurai.

Coal remains on top in respect of goods transported in Tiruchi Railway Division followed by food grains, and cement. Coal generates nearly 80% of the freight revenue for the division, the officials further said. 

Passenger services

Although freight traffic has commenced on the Karaikal-Peralam section via Thirunallar, passenger train services are yet to be introduced. Travellers in this region have been seeking the operation of passenger train services at the earliest.

Railway sources said the Tiruchi Railway Division had already conveyed to the Southern Railway headquarters for operation of passenger trains on this section.