**Summary:**
In response to a question raised in the Lok Sabha regarding pitline facilities in the Tiruchirappalli district, the Minister of Railways, Information Broadcasting, and Electronics Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, stated the following:
The Ministry plans and executes pitline facilities based on operational and maintenance requirements. Currently, three pitlines are operational in Tiruchirappalli. Furthermore, the construction of two additional pitlines specifically for the maintenance of MEMU rakes has been sanctioned at a total cost of ₹61 Crore, and this work is underway.
Between 2020-21 and June 2025, Indian Railways introduced 8 new train services and extended 6 existing train services to facilitate passengers in Tiruchirappalli. Tiruchirappalli station currently handles 155 train services, including 53 services that originate or terminate there.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Railways: The government ministry responsible for railways.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India.
Shri Durai Vaiko: Member of Parliament who asked the question regarding pitline facilities.
Tiruchirappalli district: A district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India, the focus of the question regarding railway infrastructure.
ICF-LHB coach: Type of railway coach that requires maintenance at pitlines.
Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw: Minister of Railways, Information Broadcasting and Electronics Information Technology, who answered the question.
MEMU rakes: Mainline Electric Multiple Unit, a type of train whose maintenance requires pitlines.
Indian Railways: The state-owned railway company of India.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 478
TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.07.2025
PITLINES FACILITIES FOR TIRUCHIRAPPALLI DISTRICT
478 SHRI DURAI VAIKO:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has any proposal to establish new
pitlines for ICF/LHB coach, express/superfast train
maintenance in Tiruchirappalli district;
(b) if so, the details thereof, including location, capacity and
estimated cost;
(c) whether the existing infrastructure in Tiruchirappalli is
sufficient to handle the growing number of train services
originating and passing through the region, if so, the details
thereof;
(d) whether the Government will consider allocating funds and
approval for the construction of additional pitlines to support
efficient maintenance, reduce congestion and enhance
operational turnaround in Tiruchirappalli; and
(e) if so, the timeline for planning and execution of the proposed
pitline facilities?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)
(a) to (e) Pit Line facilities are planned and executed as
per operational and maintenance requirements. At present three
pitlines are operational at Tiruchirappalli. Further, construction of
two additional Pit Lines for maintenance of MEMU rakes at
Tiruchirappalli has been sanctioned at total cost of ₹61 Cr. and the
work has been taken up.:2:
To facilitate the passengers of Tiruchirappalli, Indian Railways have
introduced 08 new train services and extended 06 train services
during the period 2020-21 to 2024-25 (upto June, 2025). Accordingly,
Tiruchirappalli station is presently, being served by 155 trains
services including 53 train services originating from/terminating at
Tiruchirappalli.
****