Irugur-Podanur railway line doubling project gets Centre’s green signal

COIMBATORE: The Union govt has approved the long-pending Irugur–Podanur railway line doubling project for 10.77km and allocated Rs 277.42 crore for its implementation. The project is expected to significantly enhance the passenger and freight movement in the region.

The Irugur–Podanur section, a key link on the Chennai–Thiruvananthapuram route, is currently a single-line track, restricting the number of Kerala-bound trains. The project would bring down the travel time to Kerala by around one hour. Currently, around 10 trains operate on this stretch. After the upgradation, the railway line could handle up to 15 additional passenger trains daily.

The Irugur-Podanur stretch, first laid in 1862 by the British, is one of the oldest railway lines established in Coimbatore district.

Subramanian N, general secretary, Podanur Train Users Association, said the project, which has been pending for nearly 15 years, would improve Chennai-Coimbatore-Kerala connectivity and boost both the passenger and freight services.

The rail distance between Irugur and Podanur via Coimbatore is 23km, while the direct line would reduce the distance to 10km, resulting in reduced travel time for Kerala-bound trains. Passenger trains could save 45 minute and freight trains 120 minutes in detention time.

Subramanian said the project would ease congestion at Coimbatore Junction and reduce traffic within the city.

According to the Centre’s announcement, when combined with ongoing works, the Chennai-Coimbatore-Podanur section would become a high-capacity four-line corridor. Freight handling capacity is projected to increase by 3.12 million tonnes per annum, generating an additional Rs 11.77 crore in annual revenue for the railways. The line utilization, currently at 60%, is expected to rise to 131% by 2027-28.

Subramanian said the project was crucial for Coimbatore’s industrial growth and the development of Podanur as a second terminal. If redevelopment works begin at Coimbatore Junction, it would further reduce inconvenience to the rail passengers.

The railways said these projects would lead to faster travel, improved freight efficiency, enhanced safety and sustained economic growth.