Title - Shoranur-Mangalore rail line doubling in final phase

rain schedules to be affected; long-distance trains to get priority

The Southen Railways is on the threshold of completing the project to provide double tracks between Shoranur and Mangalore, which will, once completed, enable railways to run more trains at greater speed. At present about 50 trains move in both directions on this 307-km section.

The final stage of the work, which will be done mostly manually and would require disconnection of power lines, will involve major signalling and engineering work. This will ensure the new line between Karakkad and Shoranur are linked and made to work effectively along with existing single track.

The Railways have planned to undertake the work between September 25 and October 16.

Under the project, there will be an additional platform line (Platform No.7) to hold 26 coaches at Shoranur while the length of the Platform 2 and 4 would be increased by 30 to 50 m so that long trains can be handled, a release said. A new lay-bye line to hold three engines would help the railways avoid delay in change of engines of express or passenger trains, the release added.

The Pre-Stressed Concrete sleepers will replace the wooden sleeper points for better safety of the running trains. During the final phase of work, signals and the interlocking system which ensures safety of trains will be not be available. As a result trains will move slower across Shoranur.

Train movement will be stopped for five hours every day resulting in regulation, short termination, diversion, and cancellation of trains. However, Railways said priority will be given to long-distance Mail and Express trains.

The release said goods traffic would also be restricted and diverted during this period.