The 23-km Karaikal-Peralam new railway line via Thirunallar, falling under the limits of the Tiruchi Railway Division, was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through video conference from Chennai on Sunday. 

Built at a cost of ₹373 crore, the new railway line is expected to improve regional mobility, facilitate the movement of goods and passengers and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region. It will improve rail connectivity for pilgrims visiting the renowned Sri Saneeswara temple at Thirunallar and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated on the occasion the redeveloped Vellore Cantonment Railway Station under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The station, which falls under the Tiruchi Division, has been redeveloped at a cost of ₹6.75 crore with a enhanced station facade, improved circulating area with landscaped greenery, new platform shelters, improved waiting hall, coach, and real time train information boards, two-wheeler and four-wheeler parking facilities and modern signages among others.

The dedication of the Karaikal-Peralam new broadguage line and the inauguration of the redeveloped Vellore Cantonment Railway Station reflect the railways ongoing efforts to modernise railway infrastructure and strengthen connectivity across Tamil Nadu, a press release from the Tiruchi Division said.

The release said 15 railway stations in Tiruchi Division were identified for redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Seven stations — Tiruvannamalai, Polur, Chidambaram, Mannargudi, Vriddhachalam, Srirangam, and Tiruvarur have been redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and inaugurated.