Title - Trial run on Karur-Namakkal broad gauge section shortly

With the works on laying new broad gauge line between Karur and Namakkal completed along with allied works, the Railways is expected to conduct the trial run of a goods train in the section anytime next week.  The Namakkal-Salem section has already been completed and safety aspects for operating passenger services are being reviewed.  Last fortnight the authorities operated a diesel locomotive in the Karur-Mohanur stretch of the Karur-Salem section as a trial run.  As a sequel to that, preparations are underway to operate a trial goods train in the stretch as track laying, signal installation, public and passenger safety measures on the track, infrastructure facilities at the new railway stations en route have all been completed or were nearing completion.  The project was initiated in 1998 at an estimated outlay of Rs.356 crore and several causes including delay in land acquisition, a slew of related court cases, logistic difficulties, cost escalation and official dithering have all contributed to sluggish progress of the project resulting in a revised estimate of Rs.748 crore as of now.  The new project envisaged laying new broad gauge line connecting Karur and Salem via Namakkal and skirting Erode through which the current tracks pass through. Thereby the travelling rail distance between Karur and Salem was reduced to just 86 km, a saving of 44 km and resultant time saving.  The project also brought new platforms at Karur Junction, stations at Vangal (in Karur), Mohanur, Lathuvadi, Namakkal, Rasipuram (all in Namakkal district), and Mallur in Salem district.  While the Salem-Namakkal section of the project was completed last year the authorities were keen on bringing to fruition the Namakkal-Karur section of the project as early as possible this year.  Once brought into operation, the Karur-Namakkal-Salem section would be a boon to traders and commercial operators in the districts as also in neighbouring Dindigul district to have easier access to destinations in the region as at present the trains have to make a detour via Erode. Meanwhile, consumer and passenger welfare organisations have already demanded a passenger service between Madurai and Salem as and when the project gets completed to serve the industrial hubs that constitute the terminals.