>Vatsmaxed: updated template, replaced: Indian gauge → {{Track gauge|5ft6in|lk=on}} broad gauge (2)

2021-06-24T18:44:19Z

updated template, replaced: Indian gauge → {{Track gauge|5ft6in|lk=on}} broad gauge (2)

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{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}
{{Infobox rail line
| box_width = 30em
| name = Chennai Egmore–Thanjavur main line
| color =
| logo =
| logo_width =
| image = Tirucchirapalli - Howrah Express enters Tuni train station.jpg
| image_width = 250px
| caption = Tiruchchirapalli–Chennai Cholan Express is the prestigious train on Chennai Egmore–Thanjavur route.
| system =
| status = Operational
| locale = [[Tamil Nadu]]
| start = {{stnlnk|Chennai Egmore}} ('''MS''')
| end = {{stnlnk|Thanjavur Junction}} ('''TJ''')
| stations =
| routes =
| daily_ridership =
| website =
| open = {{start date and age|df=yes|1880}}
| close =
| owner = [[Indian Railways]]
| operator = [[Southern Railway zone]]
| character =
| depot =
| stock =
| linelength =
| tracklength = '''Main line''': {{convert|351|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} '''Branch lines''': {{abbrlink|CGL|Chengalpattu Junction railway station}}–{{abbrlink|AJJ|Arakkonam Junction railway station}} ({{convert|63|km}}) {{abbrlink|VM|Viluppuram Junction railway station}}–{{abbrlink|PDY|Puducherry railway station}} ({{convert|38|km}}) {{abbrlink|CUPJ|Cuddalore Port Junction railway station}}–{{abbrlink|VRI|Vriddhachalam Junction railway station}} ({{convert|61|km}}) {{abbrlink|MV|Kumbakonam railway station}}–{{abbrlink|TVR|Thiruvarur Junction railway station}} ({{convert|39|km}})
| tracks =
| gauge = {{track gauge|1676mm}}
| old_gauge = {{track gauge|1000mm}}
| minradius =
| electrification =
| speed =
| elevation = {{stnlnk|Chennai Egmore}} {{convert|8|m|ft}} {{stnlnk|Thanjavur}} {{convert|60|m|ft}}
| racksystem =
| map = {{Chennai Egmore–Thanjavur main line}}
| map_state = collapsed
}}
The '''Chennai Egmore–Tiruchchirappalli main line''' (via Kumbakonam ) connects {{stnlnk|Chennai Egmore}} and {{stnlnk|Thanjavur Junction}} both in the Indian state of [[Tamil Nadu]]. The Chennai Egmore–Thanjavur main line is part of [[Chennai]]–[[Viluppuram]]–[[Mayiladuthurai Junction railway station|Mayiladuthurai]]–{{stnlnk|Kumbakonam}}–[[Thanjavur]]–[[Tiruchirappalli]] line. There are several branch lines (included here): [[Chengalpattu]]–[[Arakkonam]] links to [[Chennai Central–Bangalore City line|Chennai Central–Bengaluru City line]], [[Guntakal–Chennai Egmore section]], Viluppuram–[[Pondicherry|Puducherry]], [[Cuddalore]]–[[Virudhachalam]], Mayiladuthurai–[[Thiruvarur]], and [[Peralam]]–[[Nagapattinam]] sectors. The line connects the Kaveri delta to Chennai.

== History ==
The "main line" of the metre-gauge railway system in the [[Coromandel Coast]] connected Chennai with [[Tiruchirappalli Junction railway station|Tiruchchirappalli]] via [[Viluppuram Junction|Viluppuram]], [[Cuddalore Port Junction railway station|Cuddalore]], [[Mayiladuthurai]], [[Kumbakonam]], and {{stnlnk|Thanjavur}} junctions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://irfca.org/articles/metric/delta.html |title=Four Cauvery Delta Branches |publisher=IRFCA |access-date=3 January 2014}}</ref> The Chennai–Mayiladuthurai–Thanjavur–Tiruchirappalli line continues to be thought of as the "main line".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/04/20/stories/2011042059320100.htm |title=More BG sections to be electrified |last=R. Rajaram |date=20 April 2011| access-date=7 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420173441/http://www.hindu.com/2011/04/20/stories/2011042059320100.htm |archive-date=20 April 2014 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.viluppuram.nic.in/ataglancepage.htm |title=Villupuram District at a Glance |publisher=Villupuram district administration |access-date=7 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226121529/http://www.viluppuram.nic.in/ataglancepage.htm |archive-date=26 December 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

In 1861 the Great Southern Railway of India built the {{convert|125|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}-long {{track gauge|1676mm}} wide {{Track gauge|5ft6in|lk=on}} [[broad gauge]] line between [[Nagapattinam]] and Tiruchirapalli (then known as Trichinopoly) and the line was opened to traffic next year.<ref name=irfcai>{{cite web |url=http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-hist.html |title=IR History: Early Days – I |work=Chronology of railways in India, Part 2 (1832–1865) |access-date=30 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050307181407/http://irfca.org/faq/faq-hist.html |archive-date=7 March 2005 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was a new development south of Chennai. After taking over of GSIR by [[South Indian Railway Company]] in 1874, the Nagapattinam–Tiruchirapalli line was converted to {{track gauge|1000mm}}-wide [[metre gauge]] in 1875.<ref name=irfcaii>{{cite web |url=http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-history2.html |title=IR History: Early Days – II |work=Chronology of railways in India, Part 2 (1870–1899) |access-date=30 December 2013}}</ref> Again after conversion, the {{convert|125|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}-long {{track gauge|1676mm}}-wide broad-gauge line between Nagapattinam and Tiruchirapalli was opened in 2001–02

The South India Railway Company laid a {{convert|715|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}-long metre-gauge trunk line from Chennai to [[Thoothukudi]] via Viluppuram, Cuddalore Port (then known as Cuddalore Junction), Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Tiruchirapalli (then known as Trichinopoly), [[Madurai]], [[Virudhunagar]] in 1880.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/12/18/stories/2004121800560100.htm |title=Chugging into the past |date=18 December 2004| access-date=30 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050122035444/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/12/18/stories/2004121800560100.htm |archive-date=22 January 2005 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead }}</ref> The {{convert|84|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}-long Tindivanam–Cuddalore Port (then known as Cuddalore Junction) sector, {{convert|27.60|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} long Cuddalore Port–Porto Novo sector and {{convert|19.71|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} long Shyali–Mayiladuthurai sector were opened in 1877, thereby connecting Tindivanam to the already opened Tiruchirappalli–Nagapattinam line.<ref name=timeline>{{cite web |last=R. P. Saxena |title=Indian Railway History Time line |url=http://irse.bravehost.com/IRHTML.htm |work=Irse.bravehost.com |access-date=1 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229092028/http://irse.bravehost.com/IRHTML.htm |archive-date=29 February 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> But during gauge conversion in years 1995–2000 the {{convert|84|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}-long Tindivanam–Cuddalore Port (then known as Cuddalore Junction) sector, {{convert|27.60|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}-long Cuddalore Port–Porto Novo sector & {{convert|19.71|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}-long Shyali–Mayiladuthurai sector were never made into {{track gauge|1676mm}}-wide {{Track gauge|5ft6in|lk=on}} [[broad gauge]] line.

Following an agreement between the British and the French, a {{convert|38|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}-long metre-gauge line was laid between Puducherry and Viluppuram around 1877–1879.<ref name=irfcaii />

A {{track gauge|1067mm}}-wide line was laid between Arakkonam and Kanchipuram (then known as Conjeevaram) in 1865 by Indian Tramway Company.<ref name=irfcai /> The line was converted to metre gauge in 1878 and opened in 1891. The Chengalpattu–Walajabad line was opened in 1880.<ref name=timeline />

Viluppuram was connected to {{stnlnk|Vriddhachalam}} in 1927 by a {{convert|55|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}-long railway track.<ref name=timeline />

The {{convert|36|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}-long [[Mayiladuthurai]]–[[Tharangambadi]] (then known as Tranquebar) line which was opened by British for people in 1926 and was closed in 1987 for broad gauge conversion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/new-trains-lines-cheer-passengers/article4457274.ece |title=New trains, lines cheer passengers |work=The Hindu|date=27 February 2013| access-date=3 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103154631/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/new-trains-lines-cheer-passengers/article4457274.ece |archive-date=3 January 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> But the project is standing still for 33 years now

== Suburban railway ==
{{Main|South Line, Chennai Suburban}}
A major part of the [[South Line, Chennai Suburban]] is part of this line. The area south of Chennai was served by a single line shared by passenger and goods trains till 1931. Electric trains in the sector were planned as early as 1923. Construction work began in 1926 and was completed in 1931. A new line for electric trains was added between {{stnlnk|Chennai Beach}} and Egmore, and two lines were added between [[Egmore]] and {{stnlnk|Tambaram}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/08/16/stories/2010081658760200.htm |title=How electric suburban railway service began |last=A.Srivathsan |date=16 August 2010| access-date=7 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110920232420/http://www.hindu.com/2010/08/16/stories/2010081658760200.htm |archive-date=20 September 2011 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead }}</ref> The first MG EMU services were run on 1.5 kV DC overhead lines on 11 May 1931.<ref name=Chennai>{{cite web |url=http://www.irfca.org/docs/chennai-gc.html |title=Chennai Area Gauge Conversion |last=Bharath Moro |publisher=IRFCA |access-date=6 January 2014}}</ref> In the 1960s the Chennai Beach–Tambaram–[[Viluppuram Junction|Viluppuram]] sector was converted from 1.5 kV DC traction to 25 kV AC traction and limited EMU services were extended to [[Chengalpet]]. In 1969, an additional metre-gauge track was laid between Tambaram and Chengalpet. Starting with the 1995s the entire area was converted to broad gauge.<ref name=Chennai />

== Gauge conversions ==
With the conversion from [[metre gauge]] to [[broad gauge]], the entire {{convert|494|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}-long [[Egmore]]–[[Tambaram]]–[[Tiruchirapalli]]–[[Dindigul]]–[[Madurai]] sector was completed, broad-gauge passenger traffic was initiated in March 2001. The left over conversion work was then completed and the last metre-gauge EMU service ran between Tambaram and Egmore on 1 July 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/12/18/stories/2004121800560100.htm |title=Chennai Area Gauge Conversion |first=Bharath |last=Moro |date=May 2005 |access-date=30 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050122035444/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/12/18/stories/2004121800560100.htm |archive-date=22 January 2005 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Conversion from metre gauge to broad gauge of the [[Viluppuram Junction|Viluppuram]]–[[Pondicherry|Puducherry]] branch line was completed in 2004. The {{stnlnk|Cuddalore Port Junction}}–{{stnlnk|Vriddhachalam}} sector was converted in 2003.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/08/16/stories/2004081612410300.htm |title=Trichur rly division nets Rs. 23.77 cr. Passenger earnings |date=16 August 2004| access-date=30 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050416190259/http://www.hindu.com/2004/08/16/stories/2004081612410300.htm |archive-date=16 April 2005 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead }}</ref> After conversion work of the [[Thanjavur]]–[[Tiruvarur]] broad-gauge section was opened to traffic in 2006 and Tiruvarur–[[Nagore]] section in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/more-trains-in-pipeline-for-delta-districts-says-southern-railway-gm/article1469210.ece |title=More trains in pipeline for delta districts, says Southern Railway GM |work=The Hindu|date=19 February 2011| access-date=3 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103122741/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/more-trains-in-pipeline-for-delta-districts-says-southern-railway-gm/article1469210.ece |archive-date=3 January 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The {{convert|192|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}-long Viluppuram–Thanjavur was converted to broad gauge in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/04/28/stories/2010042853290300.htm |title=Cholan Express back on track |date=28 April 2010| access-date=30 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100814182149/http://www.hindu.com/2010/04/28/stories/2010042853290300.htm |archive-date=14 August 2010 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead }}</ref>

A broad-gauge line (conversion from metre-gauge) connecting [[Chengalpattu]] with [[Arakkonam]] was built in 1999–2000. The Thakolam–Arakkonam sector had to be realigned because of its proximity to the [[INS Rajali|Arakkonam Naval Air Station]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/article401024.ece |title=Electrify 8 km on Thakolam-Arakkonam track |last=Selvan |first=Dennis |work=The New Indian Express|date=25 February 2011 |access-date=31 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101231158/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/article401024.ece |archive-date=1 January 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://pib.nic.in/archieve/railbud99/99rbudgeth1.html |title=Rail budget ’99 |quote=Gauge conversion to be completed in 1999–2000 |last=Selvan |first=Dennis |work=The New Indian Express|date=25 February 2011 |access-date=31 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304023851/http://pib.nic.in/archieve/railbud99/99rbudgeth1.html |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Electrification ==
The metre-gauge track of Madras Beach–Tambaram sector was electrified in 1931 with 1.5 kV DC overhead system. In the 1950s, Indian Railways decided on using 25 kV AC overhead system on a national basis. The Madras Beach–Tambaram sector was converted to 25 kV AC overhead system in 1967.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://irfca.org/faq/faq-elec.html#vol |title=Electric Traction I |work=Electric Traction Voltages |publisher=IRFCA |access-date=30 December 2013}}</ref><ref name="History of Electrification">{{cite web |url=http://irfca.org/docs/electrification-history.html |title=History of Electrification |publisher=IRFCA |access-date=30 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019225702/http://irfca.org/docs/electrification-history.html |archive-date=19 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Tambaram–Chengalpattu–Viluppuram sector was electrified in 1964–65 and then again in 2000–01 (after gauge conversion) along with the Chengalpattu–Kanchipuram sector.<ref name="History of Electrification" />

The broad-gauge Viluppuram–Puducherry line was electrified in 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/villupurampondicherry-electrified-track-awaits-clearance-from-crs/article3137290.ece |title=Villupuram–Puducherry electrified track awaits clearance from CRS |work=The Hindu|date=24 May 2006| access-date=30 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230234258/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/villupurampondicherry-electrified-track-awaits-clearance-from-crs/article3137290.ece |archive-date=30 December 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The broad-gauge Viluppuram–Tiruchirapalli sector was electrified in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/01/28/stories/2010012856070100.htm |title=Electrified BG section to be inaugurated |date=28 January 2010| access-date=30 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504181847/http://www.hindu.com/2010/01/28/stories/2010012856070100.htm |archive-date=4 May 2014 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead }}</ref>

New electrification survey in 2012–13 had been sanctioned in the Railway Budget for the Karaikkal/Karaikkal port–Thiruvarur–Thanjavur–Tiruchchirappalli and Nagapattinam–Velankkani sectors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,6,746 |title=Specific items for Southern Railway in Railway Budget 2012–13 |work=New Railway Electrification Surveys sanctioned in 2012–13 |access-date=3 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115192249/http://www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0%2C6%2C746 |archive-date=15 January 2013 }}</ref>

The execution of electrification of Villupuram–Cuddalore Port–Mayiladuturai–Kumbakonam–Thanjavur and Mayiladuturai–Thiruvarur has been given to [[Rail Vikas Nigam]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rvnl.org/tender/view_tender_detail.php?tid=5a1fc68707292 |title=Project Management Consultancy for "Design, Supply, Erection, Testing & Commissioning of 25 kV, 50 Hz, Single Phase Traction Over-head Equipment, Switching Stations, Traction Sub-stations, SCADA, Signal and Telecommunication works, General Electrical service works and Civil Engineering works i.e. Service Buildings, Quarters, Tower wagon sidings/sheds, and other associated works between Villupuram–Cuddalore Port–Mayiladuturai –Thanjavur & Mayiladuturai –Thiruvarur Sections {{sic|comprising |hide=y|of}} 228 RKM/ 286 TKM of Tiruchchirappalli Division, Southern Railway, Tamil Nadu". |publisher=Rail Vikas Nigam Limited |access-date=16 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116193330/http://www.rvnl.org/tender/view_tender_detail.php?tid=5a1fc68707292 |archive-date=16 January 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The main line (Villupuram to Tiruchirappalli via Mayiladuthurai) electrification was completed in several parts [as Tiruchirappalli to Thanjavur, Villupuram to Cuddalore Port Junction, Cuddalore Port Junction to Mayiladuthurai Junction and then Mayiladuthurai Junction to Thanjavur Junction] and opened for end to end travel for public on 14 November 2020.

== Railway reorganization ==
The Great Southern Railway of India and Carnatic Railway merged to form South Indian Railway Company in 1874.<ref name=irfcaii />

In the early 1950s legislation was passed authorizing the central government to take over independent railway systems that were there. On 14 April 1951 the [[Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway]], the [[South Indian Railway Company]] and Mysuru State Railway were merged to form [[Southern Railway zone|Southern Railway]]. Subsequently, [[Nizam's Guaranteed State Railway]] was also merged into Southern Railway. On 2 October 1966, the Secunderabad, Solapur, Hubli and Vijayawada Divisions, covering the former territories of Nizam's Guaranteed State Railway and certain portions of Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway were separated from Southern Railway to form the [[South Central Railway zone|South Central Railway]]. In 1977, Guntakal division of Southern Railway was transferred to South Central Railway and the Solapur division transferred to Central Railway. Amongst the seven new zones created in 2010 was [[South Western Railway zone|South Western Railway]], which was carved out of Southern Railway.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-geog.html#newzone |title=Geography – Railway Zones |publisher=IRFCA |access-date=30 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070819043943/http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-geog.html#newzone |archive-date=19 August 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in/ Official website of Southern Railway zone]

{{Railways in Southern India}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Chennai Egmore-Thanjavur line}}
[[Category:5 ft 6 in gauge railways in India]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Chennai railway division|*]]
[[Category:Trichy railway division|*]]
[[Category:Railway lines opened in 1880]]
[[Category:Transport in Chennai]]

Chennai Egmore–Thanjavur main line - Revision history

>Vatsmaxed: updated template, replaced: Indian gauge → {{Track gauge|5ft6in|lk=on}} broad gauge (2)