- MRTS services between Chennai Beach and Chintadripet have been temporarily suspended to facilitate this crucial infrastructure project
- The 4th line is pivotal for expanding services from Chennai Egmore and Tambaram terminal thus enhancing connectivity in the region
- The Railway faces resistance from the RBI regarding the acquisition of a portion of land crucial for the 4th line
NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, NOV 6
The Chennai Beach – Chennai Egmore 4th line project is a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of Chennai city’s rail network and facilitating the introduction of additional passenger and freight services. The project, covering the distance of 4.30 Km. Between Chennai Beach and Chennai Egmore, is carried out at a cost of Rs.279 Crores. The construction works are in full swing. MRTS services between Chennai Beach and Chintadripet have been temporarily suspended to facilitate this crucial infrastructure project.
Works completed recently
According to a Southern Raiway release, it has already obtained working permission in the Defence Land. Dismantling of tracks to facilitate the movement of machineries has been completed. Madras Medical College land has been acquired and construction of boundary wall has also been completed. For laying of 4th line, part of the Park Town station building has to be dismantled and the work of demolition has been completed.
In progress:
➡Foundation work for Major bridge on Buckingham canal
➡Dismantling of PFs at Chennai Fort, Park Town and Park Stations
➡Retaining wall between Egmore and Park pic.twitter.com/puEv8RSjgq— Southern Railway (@GMSRailway) November 5, 2023
As major portion of track passes along the Cooum river, the bank has been protected with secant pile. Piling work along the Cooum River bank has been completed with 497 out of 651 piles being laid. Three out of 8 minor bridges along the Buckingham canal has been completed, the statement added.
Works in progress
The foundation work is in progress for Major Bridge across the Buckingham canal. Driving of piles for boundary wall is in progress near the Defence Land. Retaining wall between Chennai Egmore and Chennai Park station is also nearing completion. Platform Dismantling work at Chennai Fort, Park Town and Chennai Park stations near the running track is nearing completion. Further, construction of new Platform works is in full swing at Chennai Fort station. Collection of PSC sleepers and ballast for track is in progress.
Benefits of the Project
The completion of this project will enable increased frequency for long-distance and freight trains. The 4th line is pivotal for expanding services from Chennai Egmore and Tambaram terminal thus enhancing connectivity in the region. Upon completion, the 4th line between Chennai Beach and Chennai Egmore will significantly enhance the railway infrastructure, decongest existing lines, and bolster the operational efficiency of the Chennai suburban rail network.
Challenges Faced
The Railway faces resistance from the RBI regarding the acquisition of a portion of land crucial for the 4th line between Chennai Beach and Chennai Egmore. Consequently, this may restrict the development to a single line for MRTS trains between Beach and Fort until Park Town due to the land constraint.