Taking forward the infrastructure growth in Telangana region, the third line and electrification between Raghavapuram and Kolanur for a distance of 22 Kms have been successfully completed and commissioned for the operation of train services from yesterday i.e., 17th October 2020. It is completed as part of Kazipet – Balharshah tripling & electrification project, a significant project under progress for expansion of rail network in the state of Telangana. The section between Kazipet – Balharshah is a vital rail link situated in Grand Trunk Route connecting Northern states with Southern region of the country.
The section between Kazipet – Balharshah on South Central Railway is majorly coming under Telangana state and partly in Maharashtra state. This mainline provides crucial rail connectivity to many cement clusters, Coal screening plants and powerhouses situated in this section. Due to the increased freight operations in this sector besides rising in the coaching operations this section has become oversaturated. To decongest this high-density section, the tripling works between Raghavapuram – Mandamarri for a distance of 33 Kms have been completed in the year 2016 including the construction of the third line on the major bridge across river Godavari between Mancherial – Peddampet.
To further ease the traffic, tripling & electrification on the balanced stretch of Kazipet – Balharshah section, for a distance of 202 Kms (Telangana-159 Kms & Maharashtra-43 Kms) has been sanctioned in the year 2015-16 with an estimated cost of Rs 2063 Crore. The execution of the third line works of the entire project is being taken up simultaneously in different sections and the works in all stretches of both Telangana & Maharashtra region are progressing at the fast pace. Priority has been accorded in the execution of works for this project considering its importance.
As a part of it, third line and electrification work between Kolanur and Raghavapuram for the distance of 22 Kms are completed and commissioned for train operations.
Salient Features of the third line and electrification commissioned between Raghavapuram and Kolanur: –
- The entire section is situated in Peddapalli District of Telangana region.
- Construction of Third-line along with electrification has been completed for a distance of 22 km between Raghavapuram and Kolanur.
- As a part of tripling, redesigning of 29 Minor bridges and 03 Major bridges have been undertaken.
- Infrastructure and passenger amenities have been enhanced in Peddapalli junction, Raghavapuram and Kolanur stations by providing high-level platforms, relay rooms and safety has been enhanced by providing advanced electronic interlocking signalling system.
- Due to pandemic Covid-19, all the necessary protocol were strictly followed while executing the works at the site.
Shri Gajanan Mallya, General Manager, South Central Railway appreciated the efforts of the railway officials and staff of Construction department and Secunderabad Division who are actively involved in completing and commissioning of the third line and electrification between Raghavapuram and Kolanur, though the pandemic situation is prevailing across the Nation. He opined that completion of Kazipet – Balharshah tripling project eases the congestion in this grand trunk route and enables a smooth transition of train services. He also said that tripling between Raghavapuram – Kolanur helps in the socio-economic development of Peddapalli district and adjoining districts of Telangana region.
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