Thiruvananthapuram: Commuters in Kerala are set to experience faster and more efficient train journeys as Indian Railways undertake significant track structure modifications to facilitate increased speeds. The railway network is adopting innovative measures to enhance the travel experience and streamline operations in the state.
As part of this initiative, the existing 260-metre-long single tracks are being replaced with shorter 13-metre-long tracks. This alteration is anticipated to boost efficiency and safety across the rail network. Additionally, modifications to the construction of sleepers , which are integral to the railway infrastructure, are also in progress. The comprehensive rail-sleeper replacement project is expected to cover both divisions within Kerala.
To facilitate higher speeds, steps are also underway to rectify bends along the 307-kilometre-long Shornur-Mangaluru route. A comprehensive Lidar survey, utilising helicopter technology, has been conducted for the Thiruvananthapuram-Mangalore railway line, covering a distance of 750 kilometres. This survey, undertaken by a private agency, serves as a crucial step toward enhancing rail infrastructure. The focus is on upgrading the track and sleeper technology to enable trains to operate at speeds ranging from 130 to 160 kilometres per hour.
The new track configuration is designed to minimise maintenance demands and operational complexities. Unlike the existing system, which incorporates small 13-metre-long bridges with multiple joints, the updated tracks will reduce the number of joints to just four per kilometer. In tandem with these track changes, the rail weight has been increased from 52 kilograms to 60 kilograms, prioritising safety and stability.
The endeavour to expedite the track modification process is reflected in the strategic tendering of individual sections for construction. This approach aims to accelerate implementation across seven distinct segments along the Shornur -Mangaluru route. The entire endeavour carries an estimated cost of Rs 55.77 crore.
The benefits of these enhancements are set to ripple across the rail network. With the anticipated increase in operational speeds, the renowned Vande Bharat trains will also witness improvements in their travel times, translating to enhanced connectivity and passenger experiences.
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