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The Union government has approved the final location survey for doubling the Palakkad Pollachi Podanur railway line, a key link between Kerala and western Tamil Nadu. The project aims to reduce congestion, increase train frequency, and improve freight movement along the busy corridor. The current single track passes through forest areas, leading to wildlife risks and speed restrictions. The new alignment through Pollachi is expected to minimize these risks, and new stations at Kovilpalayam and Chettipalayam may be added. The survey paves the way for detailed planning and administrative approvals.
The Union government has sanctioned the final location survey for converting the Palakkad Pollachi Podanur railway line into a double-track corridor. The move is intended to address growing congestion on this heavily used route and enhance train services connecting Kerala with Tamil Nadu. The approval was communicated by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L Murugan. Advertisement
Currently, several trains connecting cities such as Madurai, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Dindigul, Tiruchendur, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, and Palakkad operate along this line. The proposed double-track line is expected to increase the corridor's capacity for passenger and freight trains, improving connectivity between Palakkad and Coimbatore and strengthening regional rail networks.
The existing route from Palakkad to Podanur passes through forested stretches, including the Palakkad Walayar Madukkarai section, which imposes speed restrictions and poses risks to wildlife, particularly elephants. The new alignment via Pollachi will largely avoid these sensitive areas. Although this route adds approximately 40 km to the distance, higher permissible speeds are expected to maintain similar travel times for passengers.
As part of the project, Anaimalai Road station may be upgraded into a crossing station to handle increased traffic, while new stations at Kovilpalayam and Chettipalayam are under consideration to serve local communities. Officials have emphasized that doubling the track will enable more trains to operate and facilitate greater freight movement, boosting economic activity and infrastructure development in both Kerala and western Tamil Nadu.
With the survey approved, detailed fieldwork and technical assessments will begin shortly to determine precise alignments, land acquisition needs, and cost estimates. Once completed, the project will move to the administrative approval and work sanction stage. Railway officials have noted that the upgraded corridor will not only improve capacity but also enhance safety and reliability, balancing operational efficiency with environmental considerations.
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