Speed trials were successfully conducted on the newly laid broad gauge between Melavittan and Mela Marudhur railway stations here on Wednesday.
The stations, which are located 18 km away, are part of the proposed Madurai – Thoothukudi section via Aruppukottai. Although Thoothukudi and Madurai are linked through Vanchi Maniyachi, Kovilpatti, Sattur and Virudhunagar, to connect these two cities through Melavittan, Mela Marudhur, Kulaththoor, Vilathikkulam, Nagalapuram, Pudur, Panthalakudi, Arupkukottai, Kalakurichi, A new railway line is being laid. Aviyur, Paraipatti and Thirupparankundram as announced in Railway Budget 1999-2000. Broad gauge laying for about 18 km between Melvittan and Mela Marudhur at a cost of ₹260 crore has been done, the speed test of the engine was operated. The locomotive, which left Melvittan at 11.05 a.m., covered the distance in eight-and-a-half minutes as the engine accelerated to 120 kmph while the villagers watched it in amazement. It took the same amount of time for the engine to reach the starting point again.
Nandgopal, Deputy Chief Engineer (Construction), Southern Railway, who oversees the speed trial, said rail traffic on this section for 18 km would resume after a mandatory inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety.
“The remainder of the project will continue between Mela Marudhur and Madurai. If the land acquired for this project can be completed as per plan, the new section between Thoothukudi and Madurai will be completed in 3 years,” said Mr Nandagopal.