Modi opens 23-kilometre Karaikal–Peralam railway line

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the Karaikal–Peralam railway line via Thirunallar on October 11. The 23-kilometre route was built at a cost of 3.73 billion rupees.

The ceremony took place by video link from Chennai, the Tiruchi Railway Division said. The line is intended to support passenger and freight traffic. Railway officials expect it to improve access to Thirunallar's Sri Saneeswara temple.

Modi also inaugurated the redeveloped Vellore Cantonment station. Its refurbishment under the Amrit Bharat programme cost 67.5 million rupees.

The station has an upgraded facade and surrounding area, platform shelters, an improved waiting hall and train information displays. Parking is provided for two-wheelers and cars.

The division has identified 15 stations for redevelopment. Seven have already been refurbished and inaugurated: Tiruvannamalai, Polur, Chidambaram, Mannargudi, Vriddhachalam, Srirangam and Tiruvarur. These details were given in the railway division's statement.