One more milestone achieved by Indian Railways! The South Central Railway zone has fruitfully commissioned the longest electrified tunnel in India. The total length of 6.6 km long tunnel is situated between Cherlopalli and Rapuru railway stations and is part of the new Obulavaripalli-Venkatachalam railway line.The tunnel has been completed in a record time of 43 months, enabling Indian Railways to start freight operations on this crucial line, which has reduced the distance between Krishnapatnam Port and its hinterland areas by 60 km.
The tunnel will also help in saving the travel time by 5 hours. At the moment, the average travel time taken by goods train from Krishnapatnam Port to Obulavaripalli is 10 hrs.
The construction of this tunnel paved the way to operate freight trains in Obulavaripalli – Venkatachalam – Krishnapatnam Port new railway line for a distance of 113 Kms. The section is now notified for commercial freight operations as well. This new line facilitates direct & viable connectivity between South Coast and West Coast.
Some of the key features of the tunnel are as follows :
- The tunnel has been constructed in shape of ‘Horse Shoe’.
- New Australian Tunneling Method (NATM) has been used for the construction and a cost Rs 460 crore incurred.
- The tunnel is in straight alignment and is 6,660 metres long.
- The height of the tunnel is 6.5 metres. While the minimum height of the contact wire is maintained at 5.2 metres.
- Ballastless track has been constructed with Bi-block sleepers and Vaslo fittings.
- The full-length lining has been provided with 300 mm thickness.
- Two traction power supply substations have been provided near Cherlopalli and near Adurupalli with necessary switching railway stations in between.
- Inside the tunnel, LED lighting has been provided at 10 metre intervals.
- For the safety of personnel working in the tunnel, fail-safe earthing arrangements were provided.
