The Karaikal-Peralam broadgauge section has witnessed brisk movement of bulk coal since the 23.5-kilometre stretch was opened to traffic last month.

Falling under the jurisdiction of the Tiruchi Railway Division, rail operations resumed after over 40 years, following statutory clearance granted by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, Southern Circle, Bengaluru, in late May.

Since freight services began on June 11, over 40 rakes carrying coal have operated on this section. Officials report that approximately five rakes run daily, each comprising 58 wagons.

Coal is transported from Karaikal private port to a private power plant at Puduchathram near Chidambaram in Cuddalore district, and also to Mettur in Salem district. Approximately 171,000 tonnes of coal have been moved through the electrified Karaikal-Peralam section since its inauguration.

BOBRN-type wagons are used to carry coal in bulk via Thirunallar and Peralam to these destinations. Before the opening of this section, coal was routed through a longer path via Nagore, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur and Mayiladuthurai to Puduchathram. The new route has significantly reduced transit time.

Coal remains the leading commodity transported in the Tiruchi Railway Division, followed by food grains and cement. It accounts for nearly 80 per cent of the division’s freight revenue, officials stated.

While freight services are active on the Karaikal-Peralam line via Thirunallar, passenger trains have yet to commence. Local travellers have expressed strong demand for early introduction of passenger services.

Railway sources confirmed that the Tiruchi Railway Division has already requested the Southern Railway headquarters to initiate passenger train operations on this section.