Change in train operations due to track renovation

Coimbatore: Due to major track renovation works to be carried out near Coimbatore junction for four days from September 3, there will be major change in the operation of trains that originate, terminate or pass through the junction.

The works to be carried out is called elimination of scissors crossing or cross over. Two such crossings exist near the road over bridge adjacent to Coimbatore junction at present, said a release from the railways.

These are obsolete, outdated, as the components used in such crossings are wooden sleepers, and are posing serious threat to safe operation of trains apart from delay in running of trains passing through the crossing. It doesn’t allow operating of two parallel trains as is done in normal crossings.

The railway board had already taken a policy decision to remove scissors crossings all over the country.

The work originally sanctioned in the year 2010 is taken up now at an estimated cost of Rs 1.5 crore.

The remodelling of the scissors crossings at Coimbatore is a major work equalling to laying of new track, which is normally being handled by the construction organisation of the Southern Railway.

However, in this case, all the major departments connected with the operation of trains such as engineering, mechanical, electrical, operations, signal and telecommunications, and commercial departments of Salem division, are working in this major project, together, to ensure minimum disturbance in the operation of trains and smooth completion of the works.

Trains like Hyderabad-Kochuveli express, Barauni-Eranakulam express, Jammu Tawi-Kanyakumari express, Chennai-Manglore express, Shalimar-Nagercoil express, Guwahati-Trivandrum express, Bangluru-Eranakulam express, Korba- Trivandrum express, Alleppey-Tata express, Palakkad-Tiruchy passenger and few other trains running in this route will be diverted from Irugur through Podanur.

Trains like Mettupalayam-Coimbatore passenger, Erode -Coimbatore passenger, Coimbatore-Salem passenger will be terminated in North Coimbatore junction.