Soil tests have been conducted for laying a second track between Podanur and Irugur stations ahead of the construction work for the 11-km doubling project sanctioned by the Central government earlier this year with an allocation of ₹277 crore, it is learnt.
The second track to be laid across a water body has warranted an elaborate structural planning, sources said.
The project envisages faster journeys, higher freight efficiency, improved safety, and sustained economic growth.
A crucial link on the Chennai–Thiruvananthapuram corridor, the doubling project in the Irugur–Podanur section will allow the operation of 15 additional passenger trains per day and increase freight capacity by 3.12 million tonnes per annum, with annual net earnings expected to rise by ₹11.77 crore, according to official data.
The project of strategic importance envisages pushing up line capacity that now stands at 60% to 131% by 2027–28, and, hence, is being carried out on a fast pace by Central government.
With multiple quadruplication projects already completed or under way on adjoining stretches, the doubling of this section will ensure that the entire Chennai–Coimbatore–Podanur belt transforms into a high-capacity, four-line corridor, according to the Railway Ministry.
The track-doubling project will be of immense benefit to the Coimbatore industrial hub, improve terminal operations at Podanur, and support new train services to northern destinations.
Published – July 30, 2026 07:48 pm IST
