Update on Speed enhancement achieved by Southern Railway and works in progress in Kerala
Southern Railway is fast-tracking measures to increase the maximum permissible speed of trains on key routes in Kerala. As part of systematic and planned efforts to strengthen track, traction and signaling systems, the zone focuses on upgrading speed on the key routes of Kerala.
Speed enhancement works in progress
Podanur- Shoranur- Mangaluru Section
In the Shoranur – Mangaluru section (306.57 Km), the trains are currently running at 110 kmph and the works for enhancement of speed from 110 Kmph to 130 Kmph are in progress and are targeted for completion by March 2025. Similarly, in Podanur – Shoranur section (92.75 Km) where trains are currently running at 110 kmph, speed enhancement works are in progress to increase the sectional speed from 110 to 130 Kmph by March 2026.
Thiruvananthapuram – Shoranur Section
As part of the speed enhancement project, it is proposed to enhance the sectional speed of Thiruvananthapuram – Kayankulamfrom 100 Kmph to 110 Kmph, Kayankulam – Thuravoor from 90 Kmph to 110 Kmph, Thuravoor – Ernakulam from 80 Kmph to 110 Kmph and Ernakulam – Shoranur from 80 Kmph to 90 Kmph in the first phase followed by to 130 kmph/160kmph in subsequent phases.
Speed enhancement works are taken up to increase the sectional speed in Thiruvananthapuram – Ernakulam section via Alappuzha, on Ernakulam – Shoranur section, and the Podanur- Shoranur – Mangaluru sections.
Once the speed enhancement works are completed and sanctioned by competent authorities, trains running on these important routes in Kerala will be operated at higher speeds greatly easing the travel time for passengers.
Speed enhancement works
The work speed enhancement involves a comprehensive upgrade of all the infrastructure required for train operations. Major work to be undertaken are listed below:
· Complete track renewal work - replacing track with 60 kg rail wherever required.
·Strengthening of bridges
·Easing of curves wherever feasible
·Barricading or construction of walls at locations where there is heavy trespassing.
·Improving signalling system by providing automatic signalling /double distancing signal
·Improving OHE infrastructure- removing of infringement to enhance the speed
Feasibility Study in Thiruvananthapuram – Mangaluru Section
In order to increase the maximum permissible speed to 130/160 kmph across the entire length of Thiruvananthapuram – Mangaluru, via both Alappuzha and Kottayam, a feasibility study is being undertaken and final report is expected by 31.12.2023.
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