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Tamil Nadu's Tiruchy-Tirunelveli Rail Route to Get Kavach Safety Shield

The Southern Railway has approved the implementation of the Kavach Train Collision Avoidance System on the crucial Tiruchy-Tirunelveli corridor at an estimated cost of Rs 110.78 crore. This information was revealed through an RTI query filed by activist Dayanand Krishnan, which also detailed plans for modernising signalling systems across the Madurai Division. The division, which operates 97 stations, will upgrade two stations on the Madurai-Dindigul section with electronic interlocking systems. While welcoming Kavach, Krishnan emphasised the need for further upgrades like automatic block signalling to fully optimise route capacity and meet growing passenger demand to pilgrimage centres.

Key Points: Kavach System Approved for Tamil Nadu's Tiruchy-Tirunelveli Route

  • Kavach system approved for 316.7 km route
  • Rs 110.78 crore estimated outlay
  • Madurai Division to upgrade signalling systems
  • 107 non-interlocked gates need safety upgrades
  • High traffic on Dindigul-Madurai-Virudhunagar routes
2 min read

Kavach safety system approved for TN's Tiruchy-Tirunelveli route; Madurai division plans infra upgrade

Southern Railway approves Rs 110 crore Kavach safety system for Tiruchy-Tirunelveli corridor. Madurai Division plans signalling upgrades for 97 stations.

"The introduction of Kavach is a welcome step, but additional measures such as automatic block signalling would be crucial. - Dayanand Krishnan"

Madurai, March 19

Rail safety in Tamil Nadu is set for a major boost as the Southern Railway moves forward with the implementation of the Kavach Train Collision Avoidance System on the Tiruchy-Tirunelveli corridor.

The project, aimed at preventing accidents through advanced automatic protection technology, has received approval with an estimated outlay of Rs 110.78 crore. The development comes to light through a Right to Information (RTI) query filed by railway activist Dayanand Krishnan, which sheds light on both safety initiatives and infrastructure status within the Madurai Division.

The response, issued by R. Siva, Senior Divisional Operations Manager and Public Information Officer, outlines key upgrades planned across the division.

As per the RTI reply, the Kavach system will cover the entire 316.7 route kilometres between Tiruchy and Tirunelveli, forming a crucial safety layer on one of the region's important rail corridors.

Alongside this, the division has proposed modernisation of signalling systems to ensure smoother and safer train operations. In a parallel development, two railway stations in the Madurai-Dindigul section are set to be upgraded with electronic interlocking systems for Rs 23.96 crore. This transition is expected to replace older systems and significantly reduce the chances of manual errors in train handling.

The Madurai Division currently operates 97 railway stations. Of these, 59 stations are equipped with Road Relay Interlocking (RRI) systems, while 38 stations have more advanced Electronic Interlocking systems. However, the division still has 107 non-interlocked level crossing gates, indicating scope for further safety upgrades.

Track utilisation data for 2024-25 shows that the double-line trunk routes between Dindigul-Madurai and Madurai-Virudhunagar are witnessing high traffic density.

Among single-line sections, the Manamadurai-Rameswaram route recorded the highest utilisation at 77.5 per cent, while other branch lines continue to operate below 50 per cent capacity.

Krishnan noted that while the introduction of Kavach is a welcome step, additional measures such as automatic block signalling would be crucial to fully optimise route capacity and enhance operational efficiency.

He stressed that without such upgrades, the benefits of existing infrastructure may not be fully realised.

He also pointed out that the Madurai Division caters to several prominent pilgrimage centres and growing passenger demand, and called for the expansion of short-distance suburban services such as MEMU and Vande Metro trains.

Improving connectivity to destinations like Thoothukudi, Rameswaram and Pollachi, he said, would help decongest long-distance trains and provide better travel options for daily commuters.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

D
Dayanand Krishnan
As the activist who filed the RTI, I'm pleased to see the approval. However, the article correctly highlights my concern: Kavach alone isn't enough. Automatic block signalling on high-density sections is critical to prevent congestion and actually improve safety. The 107 non-interlocked gates are a major worry.
R
Rohit P
About time! 110 crore seems like a lot, but if it saves lives, it's worth every paisa. Southern Railway needs to focus on these crucial upgrades. The MEMU/Vande Metro suggestion for suburban travel is spot on. Decongest those long-distance trains!
S
Sarah B
As a frequent traveler on the Madurai-Virudhunagar route, the traffic density is unreal. Electronic interlocking and Kavach are good first steps, but the maintenance after installation is key. Hope they have a solid plan for that.
K
Karthik V
Good move, but why only this corridor? What about other high-density routes in TN? Also, 107 non-interlocked level crossings is a shocking number. That should be the priority before any fancy new system. Safety starts with the basics.
M
Meera T
Connecting pilgrimage centres like Rameswaram better is so important. Better suburban services will help local economy and reduce pressure on families traveling for rituals. A safe and efficient railway is the backbone of Tamil Nadu's development.

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