Trichy: The Trichy railway division successfully completed the first leg of a high-speed trial operation on the section between Trichy and Villupuram via Vriddhachalam on Friday. This trial is part of an initiative to enhance the sectional speed of trains in the region.
Details of the Trial
In the first phase, a locomotive with two coaches, including an oscillation monitoring system (OMS), was operated at a maximum speed of 143 kmph. Railway officials stated that the objective of the speed trial is to enable trains to operate at speeds exceeding 140 kmph. Currently, trains on the Trichy-Villupuram section run at a maximum speed of 110 kmph.
The train departed from Trichy junction at 8:40 am. After evaluating speed and track stability, it reached Villupuram by 10:34 am. The maximum speed of 143 kmph was achieved between Valadi and Lalgudi, as well as between Poovanur and Ulundurpet. In other areas, speeds ranged between 125 and 130 kmph.
Future Steps and Safety Measures
Railway officials emphasized that more speed trials and tests are required before approving the revised speed limit for passenger services. The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) must conduct a separate evaluation and grant approval to ensure public safety, a process that will take time.
Meanwhile, Southern Railway plans to fence areas near the tracks along the Trichy to Villupuram route. The Trichy division has already issued a letter of acceptance to fence the entire 178 km stretch from Ponmalai to Villupuram.
This development is part of broader efforts to modernize railway infrastructure and improve travel times on this important route.
