SCR Commissions Longer Loop Line at Navabpalem Station

>>> To ease freight operations & to accommodate Longer Haul Goods trains

>>> This is the second longer loop over the zone

To enhance train operations, ease congestion, and accommodate long-haul goods trains with additional wagons than the standard composition, SCR has commissioned a longer loop line at Navabpalem Railway Station of Vijayawada Division located on the Grand trunk route of Vijayawada – Visakhapatnam section. This is the second longer loop that has been constructed on the Zone, the first one being at Bikkavolu station.

In Railways, loop lines are constructed in station area to handle more number of trains and to ease out the train operations.

The loop lines at a station are constructed with a length of 750 meters which can accommodate a full-length goods train with multiple engines. With the increasing need to transport huge quantities at a one go, it has necessitated handling longer trains having more wagons than the regular composition. To mitigate this problem, Indian Railways has been encouraging the construction of Longer Loop lines of around 1500 meters (which is double the existing loop line lengths).

Considering the importance of longer loop lines, the Ministry of Railways has accorded sanctions for the construction of Longer Loops at six stations of Vijayawada Division viz., Bikkavolu, Navabpalem & Elamanchili in Vijayawada – Visakhapatnam section and Nidubrolu, Ammanabrolu & Bitragunta in Vijayawada – Chennai section. Out of these, now, two longer loops have been commissioned i.e., At Bikkavolu and Navabpalem stations. Works are in fast progress at the remaining locations.

Salient features of Longer Loop line at Navabpalem Station

The Electronic interlocking system has been provided with 70 routes.

Advanced Axle counters have been provided for Intermediate Block signals located in Navabpalem – Tadepalligudem & Navabpalem - Nidadavolu sections.

The Central Interlocking system, Data-loggers are provided with modern equipment.

Fire alarm facility is provided for enhanced protection.

The execution of works has been done with meticulous planning duly completing the NI work within seven days as against the scheduled period of 9 days.

2 sets of Unimat machines and T-28 Cranes have been used at the site for faster work.

The mainline and loop line of the station has been provided with separate elementary sections to facilitate independent OHE blocks.

Benefits of Longer Loop Lines

Will accommodate long haul trains like Jai Kisan specials where 2 freight trains are combined and run for quick mobility

Provision for the crossing of trains to enable faster movement of trains without too much detention of freight trains

Improves punctuality of passenger trains by avoiding mainline regulation of Goods trains

Improves overall train operations.

Reduces the wagon detention and travel expenses.

Enables in handling more number of trains.

Shri Gajanan Mallya, General Manager, SCR complimented the officials of Vijayawada Division on completion of the second longer loop line over the Zone with sincere and dedicated efforts. He instructed the officials to complete the remaining longer loop lines at a fast pace for overall improvement in the operation of freight trains in the busy trunk route section.