Electrification of Kerala's Punalur to Sengottai railway line nearing completion

The much awaited electrification of the Punalur- Sengottai stretch is nearing its final stage with the completion of railway substation works, paving way for an increase in the speed of trains on the route. The Southern Railway has announced the same on its social media handle of X.  

Thus the majestic 13 Arch Bridge, a historic British-era structure on the Punalur-Sengottai railway line in India, will soon be part of a more efficient and eco-friendly railway network. The 13 Arch Bridge, better known as “Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge”, is situated at Kazhuthurutty in the Kollam district of Kerala.

Earlier, the 110 KV sub-station at Sengottai had been completed and steps were being taken to operate an electric engine train on the track. 

The Railways had also informed that the installation of vistadome coaches will be considered once the electrification is completed and the train service is switched from conventional coaches to Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB)  coaches. 

As Punalur Railway Station has been included in Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, Ministry of Railways’ new policy for the modernisation of stations, facilities such as waiting area for upper-class tickets, platform roof, lift, car park roof and amenities for differently abled will be provided at the station. 

It is also expected that the demands for starting train service to Tirupati via Punalur-Sengottai will also be considered as the work gets over.

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme was introduced with an aim to enhance and modernise the railway stations throughout the Indian Railways network. The scheme currently intends to upgrade and modernise a total of 1,275 stations across the Indian Railway system. 

Short termination/origination of Train Services

Meanwhile, the South East Central Railway has notified changes in the pattern of two trains plying through the Kerala route on July 11 and 13. 

Korba - Kochuveli Express (Train No. 22647) which has regular departure from Korba at 7.40 pm will originate from Bilaspur at 9.35 pm on July 13, 2024. The train will be partially cancelled between Korba and Bilaspur

Kochuveli - Korba Superfast Express (Train No. 22648) leaving Kochuveli at 06.15 am on July 11, 2024 will be short terminated at Bilaspur. The train will be partially cancelled between Bilaspur and Korba.

So the passengers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly.