Indian Railways Commissions Its Longest Electrified Tunnel After Completing Construction In Record Time

Indian Railway’s South Central division has commissioned Indian Railways’ longest electrified tunnel, sitiated between Cherlopalli and Rapuru stations in Andhra Pradesh, reports Rail Analysis India.

The tunnel was constructed in a record time of 43 months and is expected to de-congest the ever-busy Vijayawada - Gudur mainline. It will also reduce the distance between Krishnapatnam Port and the hinterland by around 60 KM.

The tunnel was constructed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) at a cost of Rs 460 crore.

The tunnel now paves the way to operate freight trains on the 113 KM long Obulavaripalli - Venkatachalam - Krishnapatnam Port railway line. Currently, goods trains take 10 hours to travel between Krishnapatnam Port and Obulavaripalli. This will be slashed to 5 hours thanks to the new track.

Trials have already been conducted using two freight trains, thus paving the way to start commercial operations on the new line.