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Southern Railway has invited bids for surveys, detailed designs and preparation of tender documents for the proposed Madurai–Thoothukudi broad gauge railway line, reviving progress on the long-pending project. The consultancy contract, valued at around INR 2.51 crore, covers pre-construction activities for a key section of the route and is to be completed within four months. The rail line, whose estimated cost has increased to around INR 2,600 crore from its original sanctioned value, is expected to improve connectivity between Madurai and the port city of Thoothukudi while supporting passenger and freight movement.
Southern Railway has initiated the pre-construction phase of the long-pending Madurai–Thoothukudi new broad gauge railway line by inviting bids for surveys, engineering designs and preparation of tender documents. The move marks the resumption of groundwork for the project, which was sanctioned more than a decade ago but has seen slow progress.
The railway zone has floated a consultancy tender worth around INR 2.51 crore for the work. The selected consultant will be responsible for carrying out surveys, preparing detailed engineering designs and developing tender documents for the Melmarudur–Tirupparankundram section of the proposed railway line. The agency will have four months to complete the assignment after the contract is awarded.
As part of the consultancy, the successful bidder will prepare working plans and designs for 35 major and important bridges along the route. The scope of work also includes preparing designs for 13 road overbridges, road underbridges and limited-use subways required for the project. These activities are expected to facilitate the next stage of construction after statutory approvals and tendering.
The estimated cost of the Madurai–Thoothukudi railway line has increased significantly over the years. While the project was originally sanctioned at around INR 1,430 crore during 2014–15, the revised project cost is now estimated at approximately INR 2,600 crore, reflecting higher construction costs and updated project requirements.
The proposed railway line is expected to strengthen rail connectivity between Madurai and Thoothukudi, one of Tamil Nadu's major port cities. Besides improving passenger travel, the corridor is likely to support freight movement to and from Thoothukudi Port, benefiting industries, logistics operators and businesses across southern Tamil Nadu. The project is also expected to improve connectivity for towns located along the proposed alignment.
The latest tender indicates that Southern Railway is moving ahead with preparatory work after years of limited progress. Once the survey, design and tender documentation are completed, the project is expected to move towards the construction phase, subject to approvals and allocation of funds.
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