SALEM: Work on doubling of railway track between Hosur and Omalur via Dharmapuri will begin soon. Officials have said that survey work will commence shortly, with boundary stones already being laid along the proposed alignment.The Union cabinet recently sanctioned the project at a cost of Rs 1,948 crore, covering 147km. Work includes construction of 20 major bridges and 359 minor bridges.Railway officials in the Salem Railway Division stated that the first phase would involve identifying land for the second track, conducting soil tests, and planning bridges and tunnels. “Once these preliminary works are completed, construction of the double line will begin in earnest,” an official said.The work is expected to be completed in four years.Salem-based social activist Poomozhi said the project would not only help passengers but also strengthen the industrial corridor between Hosur and Salem. “It is a step towards balanced regional development,” he said.Currently, more than 21 passenger and freight trains operate daily between Salem and Bengaluru via Dharmapuri. However, the existing single line between Omalur and Hosur leads to train delays. Express trains are often forced to halt at stations to allow trains from the opposite direction to pass, resulting in delays and inconvenience. Passengers have repeatedly voiced concerns that the lack of timely services, especially towards Chennai, has hindered the district’s growth.The doubling project is expected to reduce waiting times, cut travel hours and allow for additional train services. It will also provide a major boost to industries in Hosur and Dharmapuri, including textiles, electronics, and electric vehicle manufacturing, by improving freight movement. According to railway estimates, the line will carry nearly 8.95 million tonnes of freight annually, saving logistics costs of around Rs. 263 crore.Passengers welcomed the move. “We have been waiting for years to see this project take shape. It will finally ease the delays we face every day,” said R Kumaresan of Dharmapuri.S Meenakshi Sharma, another passenger, said lack of direct and timely trains to Chennai was a big problem. “Once the double line is ready, our district will be better connected,” Meenakshi said.
