In a significant infrastructure upgrade aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and safety, the Madurai division of Southern Railway has successfully completed comprehensive yard remodelling works at two key locations: Tuticorin and Milavittan. The project's centrepiece is the installation of a state-of-the-art Electronic Interlocking (EI) system that will now govern train movements within both yards.
Core Upgrades: The New Electronic Interlocking System
The newly commissioned EI system represents a technological leap forward for this crucial rail corridor. A critical component is the EI-inbuilt block panel with Block Proving by Axle Counter (BPAC), deployed on the double-line section connecting Milavittan and Tuticorin. This advanced signalling apparatus is designed to significantly boost the reliability of train control systems, minimising human error and automating safety checks.
The major construction phases were executed in a tight schedule: work at Milavittan yard commenced on December 7, followed by the upgrades at Tuticorin starting December 15. The integration of this modern system is expected to facilitate smoother, safer, and more predictable train movements not only within the two station yards but also across the entire double-line segment linking them.
Detailed Enhancements at Tuticorin Yard
The remodelling at Tuticorin station focused on expanding capacity to handle longer, modern trains. A key improvement was the extension of Platform No. 1 from 532 metres to 595 metres. Furthermore, a brand new long platform line, measuring 552 metres, has been constructed to allow full-length trains to be received comfortably without congestion.
To accommodate the newer Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches, the stabling line and pit line were lengthened to stable 22-coach LHB rakes. Additional tracks were laid to streamline locomotive movements within the yard's confines. Support infrastructure was also bolstered with the creation of a tower wagon shed and a small siding dedicated to departmental train operations.
Safety received paramount attention. All level crossing gates inside the yard have been integrated into the new EI system and fitted with electrically operated lifting barriers. As a redundant safety measure, sliding booms were installed as a standby arrangement to ensure uninterrupted yard functioning. Two critical traffic gates, LC Nos. 486 and 487, were similarly upgraded. Being fully interlocked with the signalling system, train signals will now only be cleared once these gates are securely closed, adding a vital layer of protection for road and rail users.
Strategic Improvements at Milavittan Yard
The upgrades at Milavittan were strategically planned to align with the double-line operations extending to Tuticorin. Tracks have been meticulously realigned to enable smoother entry and exit of trains, reducing bottlenecks.
Operational efficiency was a major focus. A long siding was developed specifically for parking track maintenance machines. A substantial 750-metre shunting track was added, allowing for the handling of long rakes without impeding the flow of traffic on the main lines. Maintenance facilities saw expansion too: sick lines for holding coaches and wagons earmarked for repair were extended, and a dedicated wagon maintenance line was created.
New engine parking and escape lines were also constructed to improve locomotive management. For freight operations, the goods line was extended and provided with concrete surfacing on both sides, facilitating easier and more efficient handling of cargo.
These coordinated enhancements at Tuticorin and Milavittan mark a substantial investment in the region's rail infrastructure by Southern Railway. The dual focus on cutting-edge technology like the Electronic Interlocking and physical expansion of platforms and tracks is set to improve service reliability, safety standards, and overall capacity for both passenger and freight trains in the Madurai division's network.
