Southern Railway has commenced work to raise the maximum permissible speed of trains on the busy Villupuram–Tiruchi chord line from 110 kmph to 130 kmph.
This move is expected to drastically improve transit times for over a hundred daily passenger and express services traversing this vital north-south corridor in Tamil Nadu. Spanning over 170 kilometres, the double-track electrified line passes through crucial junctions like Vriddhachalam, Ariyalur, Lalgudi, and Srirangam. It is not only a lifeline for intra-state commuters but also a key artery for inter-State travel, carrying express trains connecting Tamil Nadu to Kerala and other eastern and northern regions of the country. Given its significance, the route is among the most heavily used in the Southern Railway zone, catering to a mix of passenger, express and freight operations.
Officials overseeing the project said the speed upgrade has been meticulously planned to ensure minimal disruption to existing train schedules. Preparatory work began earlier this fiscal year, with departments of engineering, signalling and telecommunications jointly spearheading the initiative. One of the key tasks under execution is deep screening of the ballast to strengthen the track bed and increase its load-bearing capacity. Track slewing — the realignment of rails — is also underway to correct any deviations and enhance the geometry for high-speed operations. A central component of the upgrade involves easing track curves to support higher train speeds. Curvature along older routes often limits permissible speeds due to safety considerations. By reengineering these curves, authorities aim to eliminate existing bottlenecks that currently slow down express services. Fencing of vulnerable sections is also being undertaken as a precautionary measure to deter trespassing, which remains a safety challenge in semi-urban and rural sections of the railway network.
The signalling infrastructure is being overhauled to match the proposed speed enhancements. Double distant signals — essential for longer braking distances at higher speeds — have been nearly completed between Villupuram and Vriddhachalam. Installation of such signals will soon follow on the Vriddhachalam–Sillakudi and Sillakudi–Tiruchi segments. These upgrades allow for the advance warning of signal aspects, enabling faster and safer operations. Plans are also underway to implement Intermediate Block Signalling (IBS) to divide longer track stretches into shorter blocks. This technology helps improve track capacity by allowing multiple trains to operate on the same section with minimal delays — a major operational boost for routes witnessing high traffic volumes.
The Villupuram–Tiruchi chord line is the preferred route for several high-profile express services, including premium trains like the Vande Bharat Express, Ananthapuri Superfast Express, Vaigai Express, Pandian Express, Pallavan Express, Rockfort Express, and Howrah Express. These trains are heavily patronised by daily commuters, long-distance travellers, and tourists, and are often overbooked. Faster transit times on this corridor will not only benefit passengers but also improve the overall punctuality of services across the broader Southern Railway network. Though primarily an infrastructural initiative, the project also reflects a push toward sustainable and climate-resilient transport. Electrified railways, when operated efficiently at higher speeds, are significantly more energy-efficient than road-based alternatives. Reducing train journey times indirectly helps cut down emissions by drawing more commuters towards rail over private or polluting modes of transport. The project, therefore, aligns well with broader national goals of achieving net-zero carbon emissions and reducing transport-sector pollution.
In addition to passenger benefits, the chord line also serves as a freight route for transporting industrial commodities, cement, fuel, and perishables. Improved track capacity and train speed will translate into faster freight movement, enhancing the competitiveness of regional industries and supporting the economy of central Tamil Nadu. Southern Railway officials confirmed that the entire upgrade is expected to be completed in the upcoming financial year. Once operational, the speed increase will cut travel times significantly, possibly by up to 20–30 minutes depending on the service. Faster trains also mean better asset utilisation, with coaches and locomotives spending less time in transit and being available more quickly for subsequent trips.
The upgrade is part of a larger national initiative by Indian Railways to modernise and optimise its core infrastructure across zones. As part of the Mission Raftaar programme, numerous sections across the country are being evaluated and upgraded to accommodate higher train speeds. In many ways, the Villupuram–Tiruchi initiative serves as a pilot for similar projects across the southern region. While the promise of faster rail travel is certainly welcome, experts caution that speed must not compromise safety. It will be crucial for authorities to continue monitoring track conditions, ensure timely maintenance and provide necessary training to operational staff to manage the transition.
In a region where railway services play a vital role in social and economic mobility, especially for low- and middle-income households, the upgrade holds significant value. Faster, cleaner and safer trains mean greater access to jobs, education, healthcare, and markets — reinforcing the role of railways as engines of inclusive and sustainable growth. As Tamil Nadu continues its march towards smarter and more sustainable infrastructure, projects like these set the tone for what future mobility should look like — efficient, green, and equitable.
