New train service from February 20

VELLORE: The much awaited train service between Katpadi and Villupuram has been announced by Southern Railway. The 150-km stretch was upgraded from metre-gauge to broad-gauge at a cost of `500 crore. The work started in 2006 and ended in 2010. After ascertaining track safety, goods trains were trial-tested before clearance for passenger train service was given by the railways. Two passenger trains from Katpadi to Villupuram will run daily from February 20 to April 15 for two months. Train number 06842 will leave Villupuram at 4.00 am and arrive at Katpadi at 8.45 am. The Villupuram-bound train (06841) will leave Katpadi at 4.35 pm and reach Villupuram at 9.45 pm.Sources said that this train service might be made permanent depending on passenger response. Before guage conversion, there were two trains plying between Vellore–Villupuram.