Thu Jun 19 13:20:08 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
After a long delay due to initial objections from the Indian Naval Air Station (INS Parundu), railway electrification work is finally underway on the Ramanathapuram-Rameswaram section. To address INS Parundu’s concerns about interference with communication equipment, Southern Railway is implementing underground cabling for a 220-meter stretch near the naval air station. To ensure continuous electric traction despite the gap in overhead cables, trains will use momentum to cross the gap, with a backup diesel locomotive available if needed. Additional safety measures, including fencing and CCTV cameras, are being installed to prevent track obstructions.
**News Article:**
**Railway Electrification Project on Track After Naval Air Station Clearance**
**Madurai, June 19, 2025** – After years of delays due to initial objections from the Indian Naval Air Station (INS Parundu), electrification of the Ramanathapuram-Rameswaram railway line is finally underway. The Southern Railway’s Madurai Division has received the green light to proceed with the project, a significant step towards fully electrifying the region’s railway network.
The primary obstacle to the electrification project was the potential interference of overhead power lines with the communication equipment at INS Parundu. To address these concerns, the railway has planned for underground cabling for a 220-meter stretch near the naval air station, according to Madurai Divisional Railway Manager, Sharad Srivastava.
To maintain uninterrupted electric traction over this cable-free zone, an innovative approach is being implemented. Trains will utilize their momentum to traverse the short gap, with a diesel locomotive kept on standby as a backup in the event of a train stalling.
“In the unlikely event that a train loses momentum, a backup diesel locomotive will be ready to push the train to the other side,” Srivastava explained.
In addition to the technical solution, safety measures are being reinforced. Fencing will be installed along a 400-meter stretch of the track, and CCTV cameras will provide continuous monitoring, preventing trespassing and ensuring the tracks remain clear.
“We have planned to fence the track for some 400 metres on both sides to prevent trespass by human beings and cattle. Besides, closed circuit television cameras would be installed on this stretch,” Srivastava said.
The completion of the Ramanathapuram-Rameswaram railway electrification will improve efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of rail travel in the region. Copyright © 2025, THG PUBLISHING PVT LTD. or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved.
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