New Delhi: Before the electrification of Indian Railways, the trains in the country used to run on steam engine. However, on February 3, 1925, things changed when the first electric train ran between Mumbai and Kurla, hauled by a SLM electric locomotive on DC traction. It proved to be a watershed moment as it paved the way for the rapid electrification of railways. Today, almost the entire railway network in India has been electrified, making us one of the largest players in the field of green railway network. With the evolution of technology, we have got electrified railway tunnels as well in the country. In this article, we will take a look at the longest electrified railway tunnel in India.
The longest electrified rail tunnel in India
India’s longest electrified rail tunnel is located between Cherlopalli and Rapuru stations of Andhra Pradesh. The tunnel, which is 6.6-km long, is a part of the Obulavaripalli-Venkatachalam railway line in the state. The tunnel, among other things, ensures smooth rail connectivity between Krishnapatnam Port and the hinterland areas for the movement of freight trains.
The tunnel is a part of the Obulavaripalli–Venkatachalam–Krishnapatnam Port railway line which is 113 km long. The tunnel is an engineering marvel and has brought down the distance by 72 kms for trains going to Krishnapatnam from Guntakal Division. Also, in the Obulavaripalle–Renigunta–Gudur section, the tunnel has reduced traffic density. Moreover, it has reduced the the travel time by 5 hours.
When did the tunnel start operation?
The operation of the electrified tunnel began on June 25, 2019. Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu had called it a feather in the cap of Indian Railways.
What are the features of the electrified rail tunnel?
- The electrified tunnel has the shape of a ‘horse shoe’ and the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) was used for the construction. The total cost of the construction was above Rs 400 crore.
- The tunnel’s construction was met with a massive challenge as the area was full of phyllite rocks and quartzite. The construction was completed in 43 months, an immense feat in itself.
- The tunnel’s length is is 6, 660 meters and is in straight alignment. Its height is 6.5 meters and the minimum height of contact wire is 5.2 meters.
- Near Cherlopalli and Adurupalli, there are two sub-stations to supply electric traction power and there are necessary switching stations in between.
- Inside the tunnel, LED lighting is present at an interval of 10 meters. This tunnel facilitates direct connectivity between West Coast and South Coast and also enhances the freight basket of South Central Railway.
India boasts its longest electrified railway tunnel, spanning 6.6 km between Cherlopalli and Rapuru in Andhra Pradesh. Part of the Obulavaripalli-Venkatachalam line, this horseshoe-shaped tunnel, built using the NATM method, significantly improves connectivity between Krishnapatnam Port and hinterland areas. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge