Updates on Podanur - Pollachi railway gauge conversion :
My friend walked along the tracks from Podanur (PTJ) to few KMs before Kinathukaduvu (CNV) on today.
He shared the updates of gauge conversion along with the images.
ROR (Rail Over Rail) bridge near PTJ is completed. But, tracks not laid on the ROR.
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is good progress in gauge conversion works for around 10 Kms from PTJ ROR till Othakkalmandapam.
Tracks are almost completely laid (Welding not done) from the 1st Level Crossing (LC) after Podanur ROR till Othakkalmandapam.
But, from Othakkalmandapam towards CNV (for 8 KMs) rock cutting was in progress. Huge amount of earth needs to be removed and as per the
site supervisor it will take 4 to 5 months for the works.
As per the information from the supervisor in the site, the GC works are planned for completion in October 2016.
The tracks were laid deep (by removing the earth) for few Kms from Othakkalmandapam due to the lower stability of the soil at the place where the MG tracks ran through.
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Thanks a ton to Sreeram who walked from 12:30 PM to 6 PM along the tracks to get the ground updates of Gauge conversion. He almost walked for 18 to 20 KMs in the hot sun. He is a true railway fan, who is also planning to walk along the rest of the line till POY on tomorrow if his health / time permits.