Railways employs track relayer machine for speedy work

Superfast trains currently touch 110 kmph on specific stretches during their journey. The track relaying exercise, which started some days ago, is expected to be completed in a month when it touches Tambaram railway station, sources added.

“The re-laid tracks are thicker and stronger to ensure higher speeds in addition to comfort and safety,” officials said and added that the track relaying would be done till Chengalpattu once work on the Egmore-Tambaram stretch is over.

SR also resorted to an automated track relaying machine for the first time. The machine can lift sleepers from flat wagons connected to it and place the tracks on them. New tracks, which are nearly a kilometre long, have been placed on either side of the existing tracks.

Along with relaying tracks, a ballast removal machine has also been pressed into service on the same stretch to change ballast and thereby ensure travel comfort. Stating that most work was undertaken during the day, officials said that they also carried out work during the night. “Clearing excess ballast ensured proper drainage between sleepers during the time of rain and would also enhance passenger comfort,” officials added.