Gauge conversion of Quilon-Tenkasi sections in Southern Railway
Rajya Sabha
Gauge conversion of Quilon-Tenkasi, Tenkasi-Tirunelveli and Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur sections have been taken up as part of Quilon-Tiruvelveli-Tiruchendur and Tenkasi-Virudhunager gauge conversion project (357 kms.). On this project, gauge conversion of Tenkasi-Virudhunagar (122 kms.) has already been completed and commissioned. Gauge conversion of Quilon-Punalur (45 kms.). Tenkasi-Sengottai (8 kms.) and Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur (61 kms.) sections have been targeted for completion during 2006-07. However, progress on Quilon-Punalur is affected because of land disputes and Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur due to slow progress and failure of contractors. These sections are expected to be completed during 2007-08.
On Tenkasi-Tirunelveli (72 kms.) section, bridge works have been taken up and is planned for completion in next 2-3 years. The balance portion of this project from Punalur to Sengottai is a Ghat section where final location survey has been completed and detailed estimate is under process. No target has been fixed for completion of gauge conversion of this section. There is no proposal at present for introduction of long distance trains from Tiruchendur.
This information was given by Shri R.Velu, Minister of State for Railways in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
IKC/CK
(Release ID :23069)