The Railway Board has sanctioned a new coaching depot at Velankanni railway station in Nagapattinam district, falling under the Trichy railway division. The project, estimated at Rs48.9 crore, includes a new pit line to meet the growing demand for additional train services in the Cauvery delta region covering Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, and Karaikal.
Scope of the Project
The proposal encompasses civil infrastructure, mechanical machinery and plants, power supply arrangements, and testing facilities for train lighting and air-conditioning systems of coaches. In the first phase, one pit line, one stabling line, and a high roof covered shed for scheduled maintenance and repair of coaches will be constructed. The second phase will add an additional pit line along with three more stabling lines and sheds. The pit lines are designed to handle modern rolling stock and contemporary train sets.
Expected Benefits
The upcoming facility is expected to facilitate the introduction of additional train services, improving rail connectivity to prominent tourist and pilgrimage destinations. These include the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health in Velankanni, Nagore Dargah, and Thirunallar Saturn temple.
This facility will become the third coaching depot in Trichy division, after Trichy and Villupuram.
