Southern and western Tamil Nadu will stay connected in a better manner soon, as works on broad gauge line between Pollachi and Kinathukkadadvu will get over by the end of this month.
A locomotive trial run was conducted recently and a diesel engine ran at 45 kmph on the newly converted line. It was supervised by the construction wing officials of Southern Railway led by Deputy Chief Engineer R.Ramakrishnaa.
The locomotive left Pollachi at 1.10 p.m. and reached Kinathukkadavu at 1.50 p.m (Total distance is 21 kms). In the return direction, it started at 2.05 p.m. and reached destination at 2.35 p.m.
Speaking to the media, Ramakrishnaa said that pending works and fine tuning would be completed and the section would be ready for Commissioner Rail Safety (CRS) inspection by March 31.
Soon after CRS’s certification, the Southern Railway would throw it open for cargo traffic first and then passenger traffic.