Enhancing Rail Connectivity in Chennai City
The Chennai Beach – Chennai Egmore 4th line project is a major infrastructure development underway in the bustling city of Chennai. This project aims to improve the efficiency of Chennai’s rail network and allow for more passenger and freight services. Let’s take a closer look at the progress, challenges, and benefits of this significant project.
Moving Forward with a Vision
The project spans a distance of 4.30 kilometers, connecting Chennai Beach and Chennai Egmore, with a budget of Rs. 279 Crores. Construction is in full swing, and the works are progressing steadily. To make way for this essential infrastructure project, MRTS (Mass Rapid Transit System) services between Chennai Beach and Chintadripet have been temporarily suspended.
Also read | Indian Railways to Operate “North East Discovery” Train Tour from Delhi
Recent Accomplishments
- Permission in Defence Land: The project secured the necessary permissions to work on Defence Land, a crucial step in moving forward.
- Dismantling of Tracks: Tracks have been dismantled to allow the movement of machinery and construction.
- Land Acquisition: Land from Madras Medical College has been acquired, and the construction of a boundary wall is complete.
- Demolition at Park Town Station: Part of the PARK TOWN station building had to be dismantled for the 4th line, and this demolition work has been successfully completed.
- Protection of Cooum River Bank: As a significant portion of the track runs along the Cooum river, the riverbank has been fortified with secant pile. Piling work along the Cooum River bank is well underway.
- Bridges along Buckingham Canal: 3 out of 8 minor bridges along the Buckingham canal are now complete.
Also read | Chennai Egmore Station Redevelopment Progressing Steadily
Work in Progress
- Major Bridge across Buckingham Canal: Foundation work is progressing for the major bridge over the Buckingham canal.
- Boundary Wall Piles: Piles for the boundary wall near the Defence Land are currently being driven.
- Retaining Wall: The retaining wall between Chennai Egmore and Chennai Park station is nearing completion.
- Platform Dismantling and Construction: Dismantling of platforms at CHENNAI FORT, PARK TOWN, and CHENNAI PARK stations is almost complete, and the construction of new platforms is in full swing at CHENNAI FORT station.
- Track Preparation: The collection of PSC sleepers and ballast for the track is also in progress.
Promising Outcomes
Once completed, this project will have several advantages, including:
- Enhanced Frequency: Increased frequency for long-distance and freight trains will be possible, easing transportation within and out of Chennai.
- Improved Connectivity: The 4th line is pivotal for expanding services from Chennai Egmore and Tambaram terminal, thereby improving connectivity in the region.
- Efficiency Boost: The 4th line between Chennai Beach and Chennai Egmore will significantly improve the railway infrastructure, reduce congestion on existing lines, and enhance the operational efficiency of Chennai’s suburban rail network.
Also read | Chennai Mysuru Shatabdi to run on Wednesdays from December 20
Overcoming Challenges
However, there are challenges to overcome. The project has faced resistance from the RBI (Reserve Bank of India) regarding the acquisition of a portion of land necessary for the 4th line between Chennai Beach and Chennai Egmore. This challenge could limit development to a single line for MRTS trains between Beach and Fort until Park Town due to land constraints.
Despite these challenges, the Chennai Beach – Chennai Egmore 4th line project continues to advance steadily, promising a brighter and more efficient future for Chennai’s rail network.
Also read | Chennai Bengaluru Semi High-Speed Rail Advances with Aerial LIDAR Survey