(a) whether the Pollachi-Palakkad gauge conversion work has been started;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the progress made sofar for gauge conversion of Pollachi-Podanur rail line; and
(c) the expected completion and commencement of rail service to Coimbatore-Dindigul and Palakad-Dindigul rail section?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)
(a) and (b): Gauge conversion of Pollachi-Palakkad and Pollachi-Podanur sections are part of Dindigul-Pollachi-Palghat (Palakkad) & Pollachi-Coimbatore (225 Km) gauge conversion project. On this project, Dindigul-Pollachi (121 Km) and Coimbatore-Podanur (6 Km) sections have already been completed. Track linking in Pollachi-Palakkad (58 Km) has been completed and that in the balance portion have been taken up.
(c): The project is targeted for completion in 2015-16 and passenger train services can be introduced thereafter.