Coimbatore: Electrification of railway line between Pollachi, Kinathukadavu and Podanur is expected to be completed by June.
The 41km stretch is part of Railway Electrification Organization’s programme to electrify the line between Palakkad town, Pollachi and Dindigul, and Pollchi and Podanur. The work is being executed by L&T.
For electrification of the stretch between Podanur and Pollachi, 906 masts sourced from Raipur, each weighing 400kg and measuring 9.5m, were erected. Portals and cross booms are being erected in Kinathukadavu yard, an engineer said. 25kV for the service will be supplied from Podanur. Two switching stations are being constructed at Chettipalayam and Kinathukadavu.
Work at stretches including Pollachi and Dindigul, and Pollachi to Palakkad are expected to be completed in December.
Electrification will improve speed, save money and ensure smooth operation, an official with the Palakkad railway division said. “An electric train takes two minutes for initial energization compared to the diesel train, which takes 15 minutes. Engine can accelerate and decelerate much faster, saving travel time. Mainline electric multiple unit (Memu) trains are bidirectional, reducing need for engines to be moved or changed. This will reduce travel time,” he said.
“Electricity to operate trains cost lesser than diesel. Electric engine does not have to be replaced by a diesel engine from Podanur, which delays goods trains, just because the stretch is not electrified. Since we don’t have to change diesel engine, it will give us more flexibility in operation,” the official added.