Southern Railway's Fourth Line Boost: Easing Commute and Congestion

The Ministry of Railways has approved a fourth line between Tambaram and Chengalpattu, costing Rs 757.18 crore, to enhance connectivity in Tamil Nadu. This development will alleviate congestion in the existing three-line section, benefiting commuters and promoting a shift from road to rail transport.

The Ministry of Railways has sanctioned a crucial infrastructure project, permitting the establishment of a fourth railway line between Tambaram and Chengalpattu, at the cost of Rs 757.18 crore. This new line is expected to significantly improve connectivity within Tamil Nadu, according to Southern Railway officials.

The Tambaram-Chengalpattu section, currently operating as a three-line track on the Chennai Beach-Villupuram-Tiruchirappalli-Kanyakumari route, frequently experiences congestion due to high suburban, express, and freight traffic. The Southern Railway aims to address these issues by adding a fourth track, providing much-needed relief from current capacity strains.

The fourth line is projected to not only ease existing congestion but also increase freight capacity significantly, as it intersects key industrial hubs. With Southern Railway's approval of this project under 'Plan Head-15 (Doubling),' it marks a strategic move to bolster both passenger and freight traffic, while facilitating economic growth, particularly with the proposed Parandur airport nearby. The improvements promise to meet future traffic needs and improve operational efficiency for the region's growing populace.

(With inputs from agencies.)