First goods train starts in Bhadrachalam Road – Sattupalli new rail line section

May 31, 2022 Rail News

The first train from Sattupalli with Coal has been started on 28th May, 2022 and is destined to Kothagudem Thermal Power Plant for Genco (KTPG). This is the first train to operate in the Bhadrachalam Road–Sattupalli section.

More details:

  • The project has been partially completed. The balance Electrification, RoB and other track related works are underway between Bhavanapalem–Sattupalli
  • The first train started with diesel traction to meet the exigencies in demand for Coal to Thermal Power Plants.
  • Bhadrachalam Road–Sattupalli New Rail Line is o­ne of the prestigious o­ngoing projects o­n South Central Railway (SCR). This new line is being jointly laid by SCR and M/S. Singareni Collieries Limited (SCCL) for transporting coal from the nearby mines of SCCL located at Sattupalli area. As a part of this, laying of entire railway line from Bhadrachalam to Sattupalli has been completed.
  • O­n the other hand, electrification has been completed between Bhadrachalam – Bhavanapalem, with o­nly another small stretch between Bhavanapalem to Sattupalli pending (approx 15 kms). The electrification and other remaining works are going o­n at a fast pace and are likely to be completed shortly.
  • Bhadrachalam Road – Sattupalli New Rail Line Project was sanctioned in 2010-11. It is a cost sharing project with M/s Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), Govt. of Telangana bearing Rs. Rs 618.55 Cr of the total cost (i.e., approx Rs 927.94 Crore). The project falls under the coal belt of Telangana and stretched for a distance of 54.10 Km and involves 03 crossing stations (Koyagudem, Chandrugonda and Bhavanapalem).
  • Expected Benefits of the Project: The project is a win-win situation for both Railways and M/s SCCL:
    • It facilitates environment-friendly and fast transportation of coal from coal mines around Sattupalli area.
    • It helps in meeting the Coal demand of Thermal Power Plants
    • Enables in generation of additional originating loading and revenue for Railways.
    • It provides rail connectivity for this region for freight traffic and helps in reduction of pollution due to reduced road transportation.
    • It assists in the development of infrastructure and socio-economic growth in both Bhadradri Kothagudem and Khammam districts.

Shri Arun Kumar Jain, General Manager (Incharge), SCR has congratulated the SCR Construction officials and M/S. SCCL authorities for starting the first train, even before the full completion of the project, in view of the Coal demand. He also instructed the officials to complete the electrification works without delay so as to achieve the full potential of the project. He stated that, o­nce the whole project is completed in all respects, it will immensely benefit the transportation of Coal to various destinations, thereby benefitting both the Power Plants and the surrounding areas development.

Source: South Central Railway -Press Release