AAI issues NOC for electrification works near Mysore Airport: DRM

Mysuru, Oct. 24 – The long-pending railway electrification works near Mysore Airport at Mandakalli has finally received the necessary clearance and is expected to be completed within the next two weeks, said Mysuru Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Mudit Mittal.

Speaking to reporters at his office yesterday, Mittal said that the electrification of the Mysuru–Chamarajanagar Railway line is nearing completion. However, a 1.5-km stretch works near the Airport had been stalled for months due to the absence of permission from the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

The delay was caused by concerns that the high-voltage overhead electric lines could interfere with aircraft take-off and landing operations due to electromagnetic radiation. As a result, work on this segment was suspended.

Mittal confirmed that the AAI has now granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC), subject to certain technical modifications.

Work has already resumed along the stretch behind the Airport runway, and the installation of the electric line is expected to be completed within a fortnight. Once done, electric train services will commence between Mysuru and Chamarajanagar, he said.

Typically, an electric pole is installed every 8.5 metres along the track. Near the airport, a 250-metre stretch is currently being electrified.

At present, trains on this line operate without electric power within the airport limits, moving at a speed of about 40 kmph. Once outside the restricted zone, they switch to electric traction and run at speeds of up to 70 kmph, Mittal explained. He added that the electrification project is now in its final phase and ready for commissioning.

City Railway Station expansion

Mittal also stated that work on the expansion of Mysuru City Railway Station, for which Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone in June 2022, is progressing at a rapid pace, with the construction of new railway quarters now underway.

The yard remodelling project includes the addition of three new platforms to the existing six, along with four additional pit lines for rake maintenance, four stabling lines and an additional shunting neck.

The total project cost has been estimated at Rs. 395.73 crore, which also covers the demolition of old staff quarters and the construction of 60 new quarters on railway land. The existing staff will be relocated to the new quarters, after which the old buildings will be demolished to make way for the expanded yard.

The construction of the new quarters is expected to be completed within the next four to six months, Mittal said.

In addition, work on the third entrance to the station, with enhanced passenger amenities and supporting infrastructure, will also be taken up. The expansion, Mittal added, will meet the city’s long-term transport needs, boost connectivity and enable augmentation of train services.