Karaikal-Peralam Rail Section Sees Strong Coal Freight Since Opening

08 Jul 2025 CW Team

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.

Passenger Services

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.

Infrastructure Transport

29 Oct 2025

Railways approves major upgrade for Telangana traction lines

The Ministry of Railways has approved the upgradation of the electric traction system in two crucial railway sections — Medchal–Mudkhed (225 km) and Mahbubnagar–Dhone (184 km). The projects, costing Rs 1.93 billion and Rs 1.23 billion respectively, will enhance the electric traction capacity from 1X25 KV to 2X25 KV. The work includes modifications to circuit breakers and switching stations, along with the installation of additional conductors. These routes serve as vital links between Northern and Southern India via Hyderabad. Once completed, the upgraded system will reduce voltage dro..

Adani to invest Rs 425 billion more in Maharashtra’s Dighi Port

The Adani Group has committed to invest an additional Rs 425 billion in the Dighi Port project, located along Maharashtra’s coastal Konkan belt, government officials announced on Monday. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ)-run Dighi Ports signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra government to undertake the expansion of the port and related infrastructure. This new commitment comes as part of a broader investment initiative by the state. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the agreement is among 15 MoUs worth over Rs 560 billion signed during the opening d..

HUDCO, JNPA sign Rs 50 billion deal for port development

In a strategic move, the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd (HUDCO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) for an investment of Rs 50 billion to revamp and develop port infrastructure. The non-binding agreement is intended to strengthen cooperation on both existing and upcoming infrastructure projects, with a focus on development, financing, and refinancing of port facilities at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port. The MoU was formalised with the signatures of Sanjay Kulshrestha, Chairman and Managing Director of HUDCO, and Unmesh Shar..