Palakkad Division of the Southern Railway has upgraded Madukkarai goods shed to improve cargo movement between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, an official release said.
Located on Palakkad–Podanur section, Madukkarai station links Coimbatore and Palakkad, helping to divert freight from congested terminals. The shed has a 390-metre line and a 697-metre holding capacity, handling about 21 BCNs [bogie covered wagons] and full rakes. It is integrated with the Freight Operations Information System.
The facility supports units at the nearby SIDCO Industrial Estate by transporting raw materials. Cement is the main commodity followed by fertilisers and food grains, serving farm belts and wholesale markets.
Madukkarai has been identified for automobile handling to ease load at Irugur. Shifting unloading reduces distance to Walayar by about 21 km. A paved platform, lighting and road access are in place, with plans for a permanent ramp.
The release said that connectivity via the Neelambur Bypass enables freight movement without entering city limits. Further upgrades are on the cards.
