Railway board sanctions new coaching depot at Velankanni station

Trichy: Railway board has sanctioned a new coaching depot at the Velankanni railway station in Nagapattinam district falling under the Trichy railway division. The new pit line at Rs48.9 crore has been proposed considering the growing demand for operating additional train services in the Cauvery delta region covering Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai and Karaikal.The proposal covers civil infrastructure, mechanical machinery and plants, power supply arrangements, testing facilities for train lighting and air-conditioning systems of coaches.In the first phase, one pit line, one stabling line, and a high roof covered shed for carrying out scheduled maintenance and repair of coaches will be constructed. In the second phase, it is proposed to provide an additional pit line along with three more stabling lines and sheds.

The proposed pit lines can undertake maintenance of modern rolling stock and contemporary train sets.The upcoming facility is expected to facilitate the introduction of additional train services to improve rail connectivity to prominent tourist and pilgrimage destinations, including the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health in Velankanni, Nagore Dargah, and Thirunallar Saturn temple.This facility will become the third coaching depot in Trichy division, after Trichy and Villupuram.