Indian Railways has approved the Rs 993 crore Arakkonam-Chengalpattu doubling project. The 68-km scheme falls under Southern Railway. It is aimed at reducing pressure on Chennai’s suburban rail network and improving passenger and freight movement. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Arakkonam-Chengalpattu rail project approved
Arakkonam-Chengalpattu rail project approved

The corridor links Chennai Beach, Tambaram, Chengalpattu and Arakkonam. It is used by suburban commuters. Also, long-distance services and freight trains use the route. That mix makes it one of the busy rail stretches in Tamil Nadu.

Railway officials said the existing single-line section is operating close to full capacity. Also, demand on the route is expected to rise in the coming years. That adds further pressure to the current infrastructure. This capacity issue provides the operating context for the planned doubling work.

Role of the Arakkonam-Chengalpattu doubling project

The Arakkonam-Chengalpattu doubling project is part of the larger Chennai suburban circular rail network. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the project would help ease pressure on the suburban system. It would also improve operational efficiency and train punctuality.

In addition, he said the project would strengthen freight movement in the region. For example, cement, automobiles, foodgrains, iron and steel move along the route.

At the same time, the section currently handles heavy passenger and freight traffic each day. Officials expect line doubling to help reduce delays. They also expect it to support better train frequency in the long run.

Industrial areas along the Tamil Nadu rail corridor

Separately, the route passes through several industrial and economic hubs. They include Mahindra World City, Sriperumbudur, Oragadam and Irungattukottai. These areas include automobile plants, manufacturing units and logistics centres. These facilities depend on rail connectivity.

Also, the upcoming Parandur airport project near Kancheepuram adds importance to the route. Improved rail infrastructure could support future passenger and cargo movement.

Demand from Chennai’s western suburbs

Meanwhile, residents in Chennai’s western suburbs have welcomed the approval. They said rail infrastructure needs to keep pace with rapid urban growth. They also pointed to increasing real estate activity in the region.

Many commuters are also expecting better suburban train services. They also expect reduced waiting time at crossings once the doubling work is completed.

Railways said the project is intended to create safer, faster and more efficient rail transport. It is also intended to support future passenger and freight demand across Tamil Nadu.

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