Southern Railway set to have longest loop line between Aduthurai and Sundaraperumal Kovil
Southern Railway is constructing a new 21.5-km track between Aduthurai and Sundaraperumal Kovil, which will create the country's longest loop line. The project aims to improve train operations and manage congestion, particularly during the upcoming Mahamaham festival.
Why it matters
Infrastructure upgrades are critical for managing high-density passenger traffic and improving the efficiency of goods transport in India.
The Southern Railway (SR) is all set to strip the South Coastal Railway’s (SCoR) distinction of having the longest loop lines in the country soon, with the creation of a second track between Aduthurai and Sundaraperumal Kovil on the main line section.
Inquiries reveal that as of now, the South Coastal Railway has two longest loop lines measuring around 1.5 km against the normal 750 metre length loop lines at Bikavolu and Navabpalem stations in its domain to “enhance train operations, ease congestion and to accommodate long haul goods trains with additional wagons than the standard composition”.
While the creation of longer loop lines in South Coastal Railway was primarily aimed at ensuring quick movement of goods traffic, the Up Loop Line at Multai station in Central Railway was upgraded as a 1036.83-metre Common Loop Line with Clear Standing Room in 2025.
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