Title - More trains for Karaikal port being explored

The Southern Railway is exploring the possibility of increasing the frequency of freight trains for Karaikal port operations. In view of the high revenue generated through freight operations in Karaikal port managed by MARG, the Southern Railways, Tiruchi division, is toying with the idea of increasing the number of freight trains, if the port demands.

In a bid to review the current engagement with the port and to ascertain future potential, General Manager, Southern Railways, Rakesh Misra, arrived here on Monday. Currently, four freight trains of 58 wagons each are being used for port service daily. A freight service can handle 3,900- 4,500 tonnes of cargo. Freight commodities including coal and fertilizers are moved to various cement plants and power plants in the hinterland.

The Southern Railways had earned Rs.242.85 crore in the last fiscal by handling 4.126 million tonnes of coal and fertilizer. Brimming with economic potential, the national transporter seeks to increase the number of freight trains to seven, if the port proposes to increase its export basket.

Touring on the sidelines and inspecting the Karaikal railway station , Mr.Misra said the 23-km Karaikal-Peralam project announced in the budget 2013 is estimated to cost Rs.230 crore. The project is pending with the Railway Board due to its high expedition cost. Further, the gauge conversion works also required land acquisition for which the railways needed State support, the General Manager said.

According to sources, potential for some sort of private partnership in executing the project may also be explored, in the light of the successful port operations. When asked about the poor amenities at Karaikal station, Mr. Misra said the station fell under the Class E category and as and when the station got upgraded, facilities would be upgraded. However, two-wheeler parking and toilet facilities would be given priority, Mr. Misra said. Directions were issued to set up a running room for the loco pilot and railway staff.

The sustained demand for a halt station at T.R. Pattinam, between Nagore and Karaikal was delayed for lack of takers to run the ticket counter, Mr. Misra said. According to the General Manager, tenders were floated to run the counter on contract basis, but had no takers. The Lokmanya Tilak-Karaikal rail service announced in the budget would see fruition within six months, Mr.Misra said.

Later, the General Manager also visited Velankanni shrine to interact with the Church administration on the upcoming flag festival. The Southern Railways has extended its support for the smooth flow of pilgrim traffic.


Anchoring deep

Four freight trains of 58 wagons each currently being used for port service

23-km Karaikal-Peralam project estimated to cost Rs. 230 crore

Potential for private partnership in executing project being explored

Demand for halt station at T.R. Pattinam delayed due to lack of takers to run ticket counter