Chennai: Nearly a century since electric traction was introduced in Madras, Southern Railway has completed electrification of its broad-gauge network in the zone.This comes after Southern Railway principal chief electrical engineer Ganesh completed the statutory inspection of the newly electrified 71 route kilometre (rkm) Pattukkottai–Karaikkudi section on Sept 9.“With the entire 5,068rkm broad-gauge network electrified, we can facilitate seamless electric train operations across the zone, without the need for traction change,” said a release. A traction change is the process of switching a train’s electrical system when moving from one type network to anotherSouthern Railway said the electrification would enhance operational flexibility and locomotive utilisation, and contribute to more reliable and efficient services. It would also support faster movement of trains while reducing dependence on fossil fuels, contributing to a more sustainable and future ready railway system.The electrification milestone traces its roots to May 11, 1931, when Madras became the second metropolitan city in India, after Bombay, to introduce electric traction. The release said this was followed by the commissioning of 25kV AC electrification between Madras Beach and Tambaram in 1968.Southern Railway said the completion of 100% electrification marks a milestone in its modernisation efforts.
