PM flags off Madurai-Egmore Tejas Express

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Madurai-Chennai Tejas Express and laid foundation for two prestigious projects at a function in Kanniyakumari on Friday.

Foundation stones were laid for restoration of rail connectivity between Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi (17.20 km) at a cost of Rs 208 crore and for construction of new railway bridge at Pamban viaduct (2.05 km) at a cost of Rs 250 crore.

The Prime Minister inaugurated the projects in the presence of Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and Union Minister of State for Finance and Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan.

When the Prime Minister flagged off the Tejas Express through video conferencing, the train with sophisticated facilities started moving out of the Madurai junction.

Chennai Egmore–Madurai Tejas Express with ultra-modern facilities will be the fastest in Chennai-Madurai sector and will cover the 496 km stretch in around six and half hours. 

Calling Tejas Express as gift to the southern districts people, the Prime Minister took pride in announcing it as a ‘Make in India’ initiative as the most modern train with all luxury was manufactured in the ICF, Chennai.

On the Dhanushkodi rail link, Modi said the line got damaged after a disaster in 1964, but over 50 years no attention was paid to restore it.

On the new Pamban viaduct (2.05 kms), he said it would have 100 spans of 18.3m steel girder and one navigational span of 72.5 m and would be suitable for double line.

Earlier, Radhakrishnan, who is also the local MP, thanked Modi and said it was the BJP-led NDA that provided infrastructure developments to the tune of Rs 40,000crore for the benefit ofKanniyakumari.