Mararikulam-Alappuzha rail doubling project gets nod

Kochi: Indian Railways has approved a Rs 220.51-crore project to double the 10.65km track in Mararikulam-Alappuzha section. On completion, the project is expected to boost connectivity by facilitating the operation of nine additional passenger trains in both directions each day. This section is the only remaining single-line stretch on Ernakulam-Alappuzha-Kayamkulam corridor, where other doubling works have already been commissioned and are in various stages of implementation.“Now approval has been received for all reaches on the coastal line. The tender to commence work on this route will be issued shortly. The doubling process for all other reaches is progressing at various stages,” said a railway official.“The doubling of the 102km coastal line is expected to facilitate the operation of nine additional passenger trains a day and support freight traffic of 2.88 million tonnes per annum. The work is projected to generate additional net earnings of approximately Rs 3.08 crore annually through enhanced passenger and freight movement,” said railways.While railways expedited track doubling works in Ernakulam-Thuravoor section (23km) of the coastal line, the work in Ambalappuzha-Thuravoor section (46km) is yet to begin. The doubling work along Kayamkulam-Ambalappuzha section (31km) has been finished.