Chennai: Executive class passengers can travel in new refurbished Utkrisht Double-Decker Air-conditioned Yatri (UDAY) Express train from next week, Southern Railway general manager R.K. Kulsreshta said.
Explaining about Southern Railway performances of 2017-2018 and new initiatives to be taken in 2018-2019, Kulsreshta said that refurbishment of double-decker train into Uday express has been completed. “The train will be operated between Coimbatore - Bengaluru as special train from next week,” he said.
During financial year 2017-2018, Southern Railway completed doubling works in Manaparai - Kalpattichatram, Trichy - Tamaraipadi, Trichy - Thanjavur sections, he said. The railway also commissioned traffic in Pollachi - Podanur and Karaikudi - Pattukottai section. “We have completed gouge conversion for 134 kilometres and doubling works for 113 kilometres,” he added.
During the last financial year, the Southern Railway had earned Rs 7,670 crore and registered a growth of 2.1 per cent. Six new express trains, including two long destination trains have been introduced. He also said that the railway would introduce Antyodaya rakes in Tambaram - Sengottai, Tambaram - Tirunelveli and Mangalore - Kochuveli sections. “We have introduced Anubhuti coaches and refurbished Shatabdi express,” Kulsreshta said.
According to the general manager, the railway provided 100 per cent LED lightings in all its 714 stations. “Bolstering technology in ensuring safety, we have introduced under water inspection with robotic vehicle to enhance the safety of bridges and carried out drone survey of three mega bridges of Nethravathi, Cauvery and Pamban bridges,” Kulsreshta added.
He also said that land acquisition has been completed for Chenganur - Chingavanam and Ambalappuzha — Harippad doubling project and Kuruppanthara - Ettumannur doubling project. “Final location survey for Angamali - Erumeli section recommenced,” he said.
