Chennai EMU - என்னோட உயிர் டா நீ

Electrification:
Cumbum onwards electrification is done, also CRS. Some said that few Freights are hauled by E-Locos.
I myself had seen a couple of WAG-7s last time I went by this line to see another new line (Motamarri–Vishnupuram) - /blog/post/2307235
You van see the traction sub stations at Gajjelakonda (with some work going on) and at Savalyapuram.
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Doubling:
The doubling project was recently inaugurated, but no work can be seen. Land acquisition for Doubling shouldn't be a problem, I guess, because almost at all places adjacent to the line, I saw lots of vacant land with SCR marker stones marking the boundary.
But the problem would be the stations, few are land-locked at towns with 2 PFs and a mainline and no scope for expansion.
Some smaller stations, newer PF have been added to the mainline too, apart from the existing loop line PF. They could have left the mainline as it is, and added one more loop with a new PF. Then one of the loopline could have been converted as the second mainline. Now surely one PF needs to be demolished when doubling happens.
Anyway, doubling though land is available, all depends on when funds are available.
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Railfanning:
This is a good line for railfanning for those interested in scenery and freights. This line is for freight ONLY. Few Pass, Express, SF are there. But its just freights, almost all of them transporting coal. Since looplines are short, it is the Pass trains which are looped and freights allowed, so the wait is interminable.
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What's rail travel without food, right :)
In that aspect this experience stands out. A variety of food items are available. Unlike the mainline, on this line mostly unlicensed vendors sell stuff. All varied items like fried groundnut mixed with Jaggery and sugar (a much more sweetened preparation than the Chikki). Small ring sized Urad Dal Vadas costing 1 Re each. Small samosa also priced same.
The apples are not good fresh ones, but damaged ones, that the people collect from large markets from nearby towns from vendors, who are unable to sell them because one side was starting to blacken. So these people collect them and sell here for a cheaper rate. People too buy them for a good bargain.
Also many were selling different varieties of boiled beans, boiled/fried groundnuts all spiced with some onions, coriander, sprinkled with red chilli and salt powder, bit of lemon squeezed on it and topped with a chilli.
Many vendors were old ladies who had collected the leftover groundnuts (smaller ones, broken ones) from farmers and having fried it, were selling it and the quantity one got for 10 Rs was much better than what one got at other places.
It was nice to see that all were adjusting and no fight existed as seen in many UR coaches. Many of these tribal women had small babies slung on their shoulder with an old saree acting as make-shift cradle, and people readily made way for them to sit. The people never complained when these people took up all the walking space with their bamboo sticks. They just adjusted.
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