Southern Railway (SR) has completed Arakkonam yard re-modelling project on June 30, 2026 at a sanctioned cost of ₹97 crore. Post yard re-modelling, the Chennai-Arakkonam 3rd and 4th lines are now connected to Arakkonam Yard, eliminating a long-standing operational bottleneck.
The re-modelling segregates suburban, main line and Renigunta train operations into dedicated operational grids, enabling conflict-free train movements, improving punctuality, enhancing safety and creating additional capacity for future passenger and freight growth.
Benefits of Arakkonam yard re-modelling
- Direct connectivity has been established between the Chennai–Arakkonam 3rd and 4th (Fast) Lines and Arakkonam Yard. The remodelled yard provides dedicated operational grids for suburban lines, main lines and Renigunta lines
- The segregation enables simultaneous reception and dispatch of trains from multiple directions with minimal detention at home signals, improving line capacity and operational flexibility
- Simultaneous movements of suburban, express and freight trains have been facilitated in the yard modification involving removal of 54 points, including one diamond crossing and the installation of 58 new points. In addition, all passenger running line points have been upgraded to Thick Web Switches (TWS). Simplified track geometry, modern signalling and improved routing arrangements substantially enhance operational efficiency safety while reducing maintenance requirements.
- The project also improves the availability of maintenance blocks through alternate routing options.
- The project reduces detention of suburban trains while improving the punctuality and reliability of both passenger and freight operations.
- The permanent 45 kmph speed restriction on the Up line has been removed, which enables smoother movement of passenger and freight trains. The Up and Down Main Lines can now operate at higher permissible sectional speeds.
- The yard has been comprehensively re-modelled to accommodate longer passenger and freight trains. A new Goods Shed with two full-rake handling lines and a 20-metrewide RCC loading wharf has been commissioned. Three full-length goods stabling lines have been provided. Direct reception and dispatch of freight trains from the fast lines significantly improve freight handling capacity, reduce turnaround time and support future freight growth.
- Three platforms have been extended from 18-coach to 24-coach capacity, increasing the number of full-length platforms from five to eight.
- Platform infrastructure now comprises Platforms 1 & 2 – 660 metres ; Platforms 3 & 4 – 820 metres ; Platforms 5 & 6 – 692 metres ; Platforms 7 & 8 – 648 metres
- Passenger platforms have also been systematically renumbered from Platform 1 to Platform 8, creating a logical and passenger-friendly station layout that simplifies navigation and improves operational efficiency.
- A modern Distributed Electronic Interlocking (EI) system has been commissioned, with 9 distributed EI huts. EI system is designed for handling 478 signalled routes. Arakkonam now has the largest Electronic Interlocking yard in SR.
- The distributed architecture eliminates conventional location boxes, resulting in improved system reliability, maintainability and operational safety.
