High speed trial successful on Trichy-Villupuram section

Trichy: Trichy railway division successfully completed the first leg of high-speed trial operation in the section between Trichy and Villupuram via Vriddhachalam on Friday. In the first phase conducted as a part of the enhancement of sectional speed of trains, a locomotive with two coaches, including one OMS (oscillation monitoring system) was operated up to a maximum speed of 143kmph.Railway officials said that the objective of the speed trial is to operate trains with speeds exceeding 140kmph. At present, trains on the Trichy-Villupuram section are operated at 110kmph. The train left Trichy junction by 8.40am. After evaluating the speed and stability of the tracks, the train reached Villupuram by 10.34am. The maximum speed reached 143kmph between Valadi - Lalgudi and Poovanur - Ulundurpet. In other areas, the speed clocked around 125-130kmph. "There are more such speed trials and tests to be done before approving the revised speed limit for passenger service. The commissioner of railway safety (CRS) has to approve the enhanced speed through a separate evaluation, and the process ensuring public safety will take time," a railway official said.Meanwhile, Southern Railway will fence the areas near the tracks from Trichy to Villupuram. Trichy division has already issued a letter of acceptance to fence the entire 178km stretch from Ponmalai to Villupuram.