The first regular train service with electric traction on Madurai – Bodinayakkanur section leaving the railway Junction in Madurai on Tuesday.
Southern Railway has introduced electric locomotives for trains being operated on Madurai – Bodinayakkanur section with effect from Tuesday.
Train No. 20601 Chennai Central – Bodinayakkanur tri-weekly express became the first train to run on electric traction on the section. The train would run to its usual timings. It will arrive at Madurai Junction at 7.10 a.m. and depart at 7.15 a.m. and reach Bodinayakkanur at 9.35 a.m.
Train No. 20602 Bodinayakkanur – Chennai Central Express will depart Bodinayakkanur at 8.30 p.m. and arrive at Madurai Junction at 10.45 p.m.. It will leave at 10.50 p.m.
Hitherto, the train, which was operated with electric traction between Chennai Central and Madurai, was running with diesel locomotive between Madurai and Bodinayakkanur.
Similarly, Train Nos. 56701/56702 Madurai Junction – Bodinayakkanur – Madurai Junction passenger services were also operated on electric traction from Tuesday. Train No. 56701 will depart from Madurai Junction at 8.20 a.m. and arrive at Bodinayakkanur at 10.30 a.m., while Train No. 56702 will depart Bodinayakkanur at 5.50 p.m. and reach Madurai Junction at 7.50 p.m.
After completion of electrification works, the entire overhead equipment system (OHE), including loop lines, goods shed and siding, were energised, and a trial run with an electric locomotive was conducted on Sunday.
The overhead electrical wires carried a high voltage of 25,000 volts (25 kV) and the public, passengers, and workers near the railway track must take necessary precautions, a railway statement said.
They should avoid touching electric wires or associated equipment, maintain a safe distance of at least two metres to prevent electric shocks, and refrain from using unfolded umbrellas under OHE lines during rain or lightning.
Climbing on locomotives, carriages, or wagons is extremely dangerous, as many accidents have occurred due to people taking selfies on rolling stock. Throwing objects onto overhead wires from railway overbridges or foot overbridges can cause severe electric shocks, and cutting or trimming trees near OHE lines without prior permission from railway authorities is strictly prohibited.
At level crossings, travelling on top of vehicles and overloading goods vehicles should be avoided. Height gauges are installed on roads before level crossings to warn vehicle users about the permitted height for safe passage, and carrying metal flagpoles above the permitted height while crossing level crossings can be hazardous, the statement added.
Published – February 04, 2025 09:19 pm IST