57 Trains from (ANB)AMMANABROLU to (TSR)TSUNDURU

- To ease freight operations & to accommodate Longer Haul Goods trains

- This is the second longer loop over the zone

To enhance train operations, ease congestion and to accommodate long haul goods trains with additional wagons than the standard composition, SCR has commissioned a longer loop line at Navabpalem Railway Station of Vijayawada Division located o­n the Grand trunk route of Vijayawada – Visakhapatnam section. This is the second longer loop that has been constructed o­n the Zone, the first o­ne being at Bikkavolu station.

In Railways, loop lines are constructed in station area to handle more number of trains and to ease out the train operations. Normally, the loop lines at a station are constructed with a length of 750 meters which can accommodate a full-length goods train with multiple engines. With the increasing need to transport huge quantities at a o­ne go, it has necessitated to handle longer trains having more number of wagons than the regular composition. To mitigate this problem, Indian Railways has been encouraging the construction of Longer Loop lines of around 1500 meters (which is double than the existing loop line lengths).

Considering the importance of longer loop lines, Ministry of Railways has accorded sanction for construction of Longer Loops at six stations of Vijayawada Division viz., Bikkavolu, Navabpalem & Elamanchili in Vijayawada – Visakhapatnam section and Nidubrolu, Ammanabrolu & Bitragunta in Vijayawada – Chennai section. Out of these, now, two longer loops have been commissioned i.e., At Bikkavolu and Navabpalem stations. Works are in the fast progress at the remaining locations.

Salient features of Longer Loop line at Navabpalem station

v The Electronic interlocking system has been provided with 70 routes.

v Advanced Axle counters have been provided for Intermediate Block signals located in Navabpalem - Tadepalligudem & Navabpalem - Nidadavolu sections.

v The Central Interlocking system, Data loggers are provided with modern equipment.

v Fire alarm facility is provided for enhanced protection.

v The execution of works has been done with meticulous planning duly completing the NI work within seven days as against scheduled period of 9 days.

v 2 sets of Unimat machines and T-28 Cranes have been used at the site for faster work.

v The main line and loop line of the station have been provided with separate elementary sections to facilitate independent OHE blocks.

Benefits of Longer Loop Lines

v Will accommodate long haul trains like Jai Kisan specials where 2 freight trains are combined and run for quick mobility

v Provision for crossing of trains to enable faster movement of trains without too much detention of freight trains

v Improves punctuality of passenger trains by avoiding main line regulation of Goods trains

v Improves overall train operations.

v Reduces the wagon detention and travel expenses.

v Enables in handling more number of trains.

Shri Gajanan Mallya, General Manger, SCR complimented the officials of Vijayawada Division o­n completion of second longer loop line over the Zone with sincere and dedicated efforts. He instructed the officials to complete the remaining longer loop lines o­n fast pace for overall improvement in operation of freight trains in the busy trunk route section.

-Annual Inspection conducted between Gudur – o­ngole – Tenali section

Shri Gajanan Mallya, General Manager, South Central Railway undertook Annual Inspection of Gudur – o­ngole – Tenali section of Vijayawada Division today i.e., 16th February, 2021. He was accompanied by Shri P. Srinivas, Divisional Railway Manager, Vijayawada Division, Principal Head of the Departments and other senior officials throughout the inspection.

The General Manager commenced the inspection at Gudur Railway station and proceeded further to Manubolu – Kommarapudi section where he inspected the Road Under Bridge (RUB), Level Crossing Gate and Relay Room. He inspected Level crossing gate between Kommarapudi – Venkatachalam section, where he reviewed the safety aspects and also interacted with the Gateman. The General Manager inspected Venkatachalam Railway station and discussed o­n various station developmental plans with the officials, He carried out a speed test of 120 Kmph between Venkatachalam – Nellore section. The General Manager inspected minor bridges between Kommarapudi – Venkatachalam and Alluru – Bitragunta sections.

Shri Gajanan Mallya, General Manager, SCR inspected Bitragunta Railway station and discussed o­n station developmental plans with the officials. He inaugurated a Crew Booking Lobby, New Freight Examination facility and flagged off a goods train. He inspected the new Carriage & Workshop office at Bitragunta station. He inspected the facilities available at Bitragunta running room and discussed o­n further improvements with the officials. The General Manager also planted saplings towards green environment at Bitragunta. He conducted a speed test between Kavali – Singarayakonda section.

The General Manager inspected the Road Under Bridge (RUB) and a major bridge between Ulavapadu – Singarayakonda – Tanguturu section. The General Manager inspected a bridge over the Romperu river between Uppugunduru – Chinnaganjam section and interacted with the track maintainers. He inspected the level crossing gate between Tsunduru – Tenali section. The General Manager inspected Tenali Railway station, the Health Unit and reviewed the facilities available. The General Manager also visited the staff quarters and Railway colony at Tenali where he interacted with the residents o­n the facilities provided. During the inspection, the General Manager inspected and reviewed overall track maintenance o­n the entire stretch of Gudur – Tenali section and also conducted speed tests o­n the section.