Energisation Notice and Introduction of AC 25 kV Traction
The Government of Tamil Nadu published Southern Railway, Construction notifications No. SRO C-31/2022 and No. SRO C-32/2022, dated 11 November 2022, warning that newly installed electric traction equipment on specified railway lines in the Salem division is live and setting vehicle load height precautions at level crossings. The notifications were issued by the Deputy Chief Electrical Engineer, Southern Railway, Construction, and apply to railway users, nearby workers and road users crossing the identified lines.
What the notifications do
Southern Railway, Construction notifications No. SRO C-31/2022 and No. SRO C-32/2022 concern the introduction of electric traction on newly laid and bypass railway lines in the Salem division. They were published in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette on 16 November 2022 and signed by the Deputy Chief Electrical Engineer, Southern Railway, Construction, on 11 November 2022.
The notifications cover:
- The proposed UP line between Salem and Omalur stations, from location SA/1014 at chainage 332/219.00 to location 6/29 at chainage 6/637.00.
- The UP and DOWN bypass lines between Karuppur and Magnesite Junction stations, from location 328/15 at chainage 328/459.00 to location 1/5A at chainage 1/134.75.
- Works connected with doubling the tracks between Salem and Metturdam.
Electrical safety requirements
Notification No. SRO C-31/2022 states that the 25000 Volt, 50 Hz alternating current overhead traction wires would be energised on or after 10 September 2022. From that date, the overhead traction lines must be treated as live at all times.
Key precautions are:
- Unauthorised persons must not approach the overhead lines.
- Unauthorised persons must not work near the overhead lines.
- Users of railway lines and premises within the completed sections must treat the equipment as continuously live.
Rules for road users at level crossings
Notification No. SRO C-32/2022 warns road users about vehicle and load heights where roads cross the electrified railway sections. Height gauges have been installed at all level crossings with a clear maximum height of 4.78 metres above road level. The traction contact wire has a minimum height of 5.5 metres above rail level at level crossings.
Road users must ensure that vehicles and their loads do not exceed or strike the height gauges. Excessive loads may damage the gauge, obstruct the road or railway line, damage the vehicle or carried equipment, and create fire or loss of life risks through contact with live conductors.
Who is affected
The notifications directly affect railway users, railway premises users, workers near the lines, and drivers carrying tall loads through level crossings on the identified routes. They concern railway electrification and public safety rather than property ownership or land transfer.
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Common questions
Which railway sections are covered by these notifications?
They cover the newly laid UP line between Salem and Omalur and the UP and DOWN bypass lines between Karuppur and Magnesite Junction, as identified by the locations and chainages in the notifications.
Should the overhead railway wires be treated as live?
Yes. Notification No. SRO C-31/2022 states that the overhead traction lines must be treated as live at all times from the energisation date.
What is the maximum clear height at the level crossing gauges?
The height gauges provide a clear maximum height of 4.78 metres above road level. Drivers must ensure that their vehicles and loads do not infringe the gauges.
Does this notification change land ownership or property rights?
The notifications address railway electrification, access near live overhead lines and vehicle load heights at level crossings. They do not set out any change to land ownership or property transfer.
