Tiruvarur-Karaikudi gauge conversion proposal gets impetus

Union Home Minister P.Chidambaram in a recent letter to Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi has requested for the inclusion of the Tiruvarur-Tiruturaipundi-Karaikudi metre gauge conversion works in this year’s Railway Budget.

The metre gauge line will be the last gauge-conversion project for Southern Railway, given that the heritage Nilgiri Mountain Railway will not be converted. An important link during the era of metre gauge railway in the State, formal announcement for its conversion is awaited. According to the letter, of which a copy is available with The Hindu, work has been sanctioned, final location survey has been completed and detailed estimates have been prepared.

The Home Minister has also sought an appraisal on the current status of the long impending project. Mr.Chidambaram was aware of the developments until July 2011. “I shall be grateful if you could kindly let me know the current status of the project; when sanction will be given; and when the work will be taken up,” said Mr.Chidambaram in the letter. A copy of the letter was marked to Southern Railway General Manager, Deepak Krishan.

 

A Karaikudi-bound passenger awaits signal clearance at Tiruturaipundi. Photo: MVL Manikantan

“I shall also be grateful if you could kindly include this proposal in your budget,” he writes, ending the letter. Tiruchi Divisional Railway Manger P.V.Vaidialingam, said, detailed cost estimates have been sent to the Railway Ministry and Board. The project is expected to be executed at a cost in excess of Rs.700 crore. A highly placed source has pointed out there is slim chance for the project to get an approval due to paucity of funds. “Already the Tiruchi-Thanjavur doubling has been sanctioned, given the financial stability of the railways it is unlikely that this project will get the nod,” the source said. Patronage was moderate for the two passenger and express trains until bus fares were hiked, said Mr.Vaidialingam.

But now the carriages run to the brim with office-goers, labourers and students making the best of the inexpensive fares. Earlier, salt from Vedaranyam (the railhead being Agasthiampalli branching from Tiruturaipundi) and agriculture produce from the region was transported to all parts of the State through its well networked metre gauge system, said N.Vengusamy, a retired Block Development Officer. Mr.Chidamabaram hails from Kandanur in the Chettinad region, whose nearest railhead: Kandanur-Puduvayal is part of the line, which counts among the very few functional metre gauge routes in the country.

The line, if converted, will form part of the shortest route, from Chennai, to Rameswaram, Sivaganga, Manamadurai and the Chettinad belt and widen the congested-rail network in the State. The letter comes in wake of representations from Adiramapattinam Rural Development Association and other consumer forums, public and political bodies. Petitions have also been submitted to the Tiruchi Divisional Railway Manager and Southern Railway General Manager.

Copyright –  The Hindu

Gearing up for Boxing Day – II

On the Indian front

My friend and esteemed co-journalist Megha Kuchu has picked her five players, young guns, who will have a key role to play in the series.

She lists Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma and Umesh Yadav. Considering that Gambhir, Sehwag, Dravid, Tendulkar, Laxman and Dhoni are sure starters along with four bowlers, it will be a toss-up between Sharma and Kohli.

Safely played, Megha.

Rohit with 305 runs at 76.25 might have assured himself a berth in the test squad, but an established Virat Kohli’s  52 and 63 in the final test and 117 in the Vizag one- dayer against would likely rank ahead for that one crucial berth.

To his credit, Rohit Sharma can handle the short ball, of which there will be a barrage, better than his Delhi team mate. But Kohli’s consistency over the year, which will end with him as the top ODI run getter, would likely have the edge during the selection for the playing eleven.

Gautam Gambhir, established himself not just as a dependable opener but an aggressive fighter during Australia’s tour to India in 2008. His gutsy yet flamboyant double century was a mixture of solid technique and wise stroke play. Waltzing down the track to Shane Watson and slapping the delivery over mid-wicket to reach that 200 mark. Melbourne would be a fine place to regain that touch.

This could perhaps be the last Australian tour for Dravid, Tendulkar and Laxman. But, as pointed in the Bradman Oration by Rahul, we can never tell. However, against all odds, this would be Zaheer’s last tour down under. The Melbourne wicket coated with grass will aid in seam with the new ball and Zaheer’s forte – reverse swing when the ball is old.

With Pragyan Ojha and R.Ashwin finding rhythm while operating in tandem, the Australian line-up will need get on their toes to guard against their wily-arm balls.

With the aid for seam guaranteed, Ishant Sharma will be raring to make a comeback from injury after a good season which saw him pocket ten-wickets on a bouncy Barbados wicket. All this, only if recovers on time.

It would be interesting to see Zaheer on one end with Ashwin or Ojha operating from the other. The move would foil the progress of the batting team and work to break partnerships.

Boxing Day is just the beginning with three mouth-watering games to follow after that. Hope that the series will erase the demons off 2007-08. Fingers crossed.

Proposed Karaikal-Peralam line to boost freight traffic

My article for the Tiruchi City Edition of  The Hindu on December 21,2011

Passenger rail services to Karaikal resumed after a prolonged period of around 24 years recently when Union Minister of State for Railways K.H.Muniyappa flagged off the hitherto Nagore –Chennai Kamban Express last week.

But, for the Tiruchi Division of Southern Railway, Karaikal has been a golden revenue pocket since January 2010, thanks to the MARG Karaikal Port.

The port, strategically located on the central part of Tamil Nadu’s coastline, has a dedicated railway siding bifurcating from Nagore to a distance of nearly 6 kilometres.

The maiden goods consignment was despatched from the port on January 27, 2010.

With freight traffic gradually increasing, a proposal for connectivity to Peralam from Karaikal has been forwarded to the Railway Ministry. Located on the Mayiladuthurai-Tiruvarur section, which is undergoing gauge conversion, Peralam once had meter gauge-connectivity to Karaikal.

“The revenue from the port accounts for about 40 per cent of the division’s freight earnings,” said P.V.Vaidialingam, Divisional Railway Manager, Tiruchi.

The port has till date contributed over Rs.230 crore approximately to the railway coffers according to P.Jeyachandran, Head-Railways, MARG Karaikal Port.

Until the port began its operations, the primary avenues of freight revenue for the railway included paddy from the Delta belt, cement and gypsum from the factories in Ariyalur, lignite transport to Neyveli.

During 2009-10, Tiruchi Division earned Rs.391 crore, with the port giving business of Rs.3.37 crore for the last three months.

The earning jumped to Rs.531 crore in 2010-11, with a big a chunk of revenue worth Rs.125.44 crore coming in from the port. For 2011-2012, revenue of Rs.581 crore is expected to be raked in by the division in which Rs.184.38 crore will be from the port. Up to November, Rs.104.38 crore has been received from the port.

Earlier this year, Tiruchi’s Golden Rock Diesel Loco Shed was allotted modern 4000 horse power-EMD locomotives to haul the increasing goods traffic from the port.

Currently, freight traffic to the North goes via Tiruvarur – Tiruchi – Karur – Erode – Salem.

This can be diverted through Peralam, Cuddalore, Vridhachalam, Salem, which will ease traffic on the busy Tiruvarur – Thanjavur –Tiruchi section, said Captain Prasad Rebela, Senior Vice President, Operations, MARG Karaikal Port.

An official of the port also felt that the freight operations were being hampered due to passenger train movement. The introduction of the Peralam line will facilitate more freight movement. Around five trains a day can function in the current line, but through Peralam, around 15 freight trains can be operated, felt the official. Recently, passengers of a Tiruvarur-Thanjavur passenger train staged a rail-roko after they were put in the loop line to allow multiple goods trains to pass.

The railway will look to restoring the 25 kilometre-line with the port also willing bear investment costs. “A public-private partnership model might be worked out,” said Mr.Vaidialingam. The line, if materialised, will be a shorter route to Nagapattinam from Chennai when compared to the current route via Tiruvarur.

Copyright, The Hindu.

 

Gearing up for Boxing Day – I

India and Australia have more than rankings to play for when the series starts on December 26. The teams have been dwelling in deep introspection after their recent unsatisfactory and unforgettable campaigns.

The skippers, Michael Clarke and M.S.Dhoni will have their first outings as captains in Boxing Day tests. While Clarke has a handful of problems to address in his fourth series since he took over the mantle, the experienced Dhoni will look heal the raw wounds that were inflicted by England earlier in the summer.

Not much time for Punter and Hussey

The role of senior players – Ricky Ponting, Micheal Hussey and Brad Haddin – have come under the scanner with their near negligent contributions against South Africa and New Zealand, both of which were two-test affairs.

 Harsha Bhogle put forth Clarke’s case akin to Allan Border’s, but the Sydneysider has the leverage of time and freedom to experiment. The team has the option to bank on the experience of Ponting (both as a batsman and captain) and resilience of Hussey, while young guns are given a chance to prove their mettle.

This will materialise if only Ponting and Hussey build their run bank during the course of the four-test Border-Gavaskar series.

The establishment of Shane Watson and Shaun Marsh and rise of David Warner have not just strengthened the batting backbone, but have added the pressure to perform on the two, whose call for ouster will snowball if they fail any further.

Running to rise - David Warner

Phil Hughes, who benefited from the Argus Review, has squandered his golden comeback chance. Phil Jacques, the former Australian opener who was given the blatant cold shoulder would know more on how to savour such chances.

To salvage some pride for the senior bench, opener Simon Katich, if recalled, will have the last laugh in the fiasco which erupted after the left-hander was denied a central contract.

James Pattinson will most likely join Peter Siddle to form the pace battery complemented by the off-spin of Nathan Lyon. The unfortunate injury to Pat Cummins and Mitchell Johnson would relieve John Inverarity the tough task to choose. Shane Watson’s all-round prowess would bolster the attack with his experience coming handy.

Meanwhile in the Indian Camp……..

 To be continued

Under Repair

Dear Friends and readers,

After a thorough analysis of my own blog I have come to the conclusion that it needs to be updated with the various widgets and links available. Thus over the next few days you may see the blog changing everyday or every minute. I request you to bear with me as I make the blog more tech savvy and user friendly.

But never fear, Mattermani will keep updating and giving you dope on everything sports. So stay tuned in and do not freak out  if you see anything weird or out of place.

Yours truly,

Repair girl on behalf of Mattermani.

A chance to better previous results as a strengthened India take on an inexperienced West Indies

For a recent follower of Cricket, it will be surprising to know that out of the 40 test matches played when West Indies visited India, the former have clinched victory in 14 and faced defeat in just seven games.

The touring West Indian team will face a batsman-bolstered India after eight years. During their last tour in 2002, the Carl Hooper-led team were defeated 2-0. The first test played at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai saw the home team win easily with an innings and 112 runs in hand. The second test yielded a similar result, but less severe. Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble snared 13 wickets, giving the team a victory margin of eight wickets.The final test at Kolkata saw the West Indians dominate after they managed to earn a 139 run lead after the first innings. However this test, unlike its immediate predecessors, ended in a draw. That was the second time in nine tours when the home side tasted victory against the Windies.

Twenty four years earlier, Sunil Gavaskar’s team bettered the team led by Alvin Kallicharan. The likes of Richards, Lloyd, Croft, Holding, Garner, Roberts had signed up for Kerry Packer’s rebel series. The only other recognised name apart from the skipper’s was Larry Gnomes.The Indians won the 4th test played at Chepauk in the six match series. The other games were played at Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Delhi and Kanpur. While the other five games resulted in high scoring draws, the slow wicket at Chepauk tested the visitors who were fielding unknown names. Srinivas Venkataraghavan and Kapil Dev shared 14 of the 20 wickets in the game.

But, apart from these two series victories, the Indians have faltered against the visiting West Indians.

They did achieved moral victory when they nullified 2-0 lead by winning the third and fourth tests in 1975/75. They lost the fifth test. But it would be always regarded as one of the finest displays of fighting back in sport. A team sans Sunil Gavaskar pushed for the extra mile against the menacing West Indians who had just won the inaugural World Cup. With a victory by 267 runs and an innings and 17 runs in the first two tests and Bangalore and Delhi, it was the heroics of Gundappa Vishwanath in the Calcutta and Madras tests which made the scoreline read 2-2. But the prevailing West Indians had the final say. Captain Clive Lloyd led from front scoring 242* in the first innings, inflicting a 201 run defeat.

This was the last tour was Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, he retired leading India in probably their greatest series ever.

In 1948/49 Lala Amarnath’s side batted second in all five tests and conceded a first innings lead in as many. Vijay Hazare (134) and Rusi Modi (112) saved the second test after follow-on was enforced. The combined total (273 + 333) of the home side did not better the 629 runs scored in the first innings. Everton Weekes top scored with 194. The series ended in a stalemate.

The 1958/59 series will be most remembered for Subash Gupte’s 9/102 during the second test at Green Park. West Indies were dismissed for 222 and India replied with the same total. The Windies batted first in four out of the five tests and the Indians who played under four captains failed to get a higher first innings total again. However, the visitors managed to get a first inning lead of 219 after scoring 644 in the fifth test. The first time they chased in ten tests.

Skipper Gerry Alexander’s counterparts were Polly Umrigar, Ghulam Ahmed (second and third tests), Vinoo Mankad and Hemu Adhikari.

The 1966/67 series was an eventful tour. The Nawab of Pataudi Jr.and Gary Sobers were leading the teams. The first test marked the debut of two future illustrious captains. Ajit Wadekar and Clive Lloyd earned their caps at Brabourne Stadium. Bishan Singh Bedi debuted in the second test at Eden Gardens. The famous spin quartet worked in tandem after this series. Not surprisingly, the visitors won 2-0.

The 1983/84 series was payback time. The mighty West Indians were halted in their tracks after India snatched the World Cup from right under their noses a few months back. Needless to say, the six match series was won 3-0 by Clive Lloyd and Co. The Indians dominated only in the final test where Sunil Gavaskar scored 236*. A record which stood for 17 years.

Narendra Hirwani’s debut rocked the West Indians who were on their way to win the 1987/88 tour. The leg spinner’s 16-wicket haul in Madras ensured the series was tied after the visitors won the first test at Delhi. The second test marked the debut of Carl Hooper, who incidentally played his 100th test also at the Wankhede in 2002.

The 1994 series saw the result as the previous one. The home side winning the first while the visitors won the third and final test.

THIS TIME AROUND

This West Indian side is inexperienced under the Indian conditions for the longer format of the game. Only Shivnarine Chanderpaul, in this squad, has played a test here before. His experience would be crucial for their performance.However, Ravi Rampaul who has produced wonderful results with white ball will be keen to get the same with the spinner friendly SG ball.

With India’s batting level in full strength it was wise move by selectors to include new faces in the bowling department. Ishant Sharma and Pragyan Ojha will spearhead the attack which would feature any two among Umesh Yadav, Varun Aaron, Rahul Sharma and R.Ashwin.

The three test series will begin today at Delhi.

A festive whitewash, the almost glorius french, a mancunian party and an unnoticed debut century

Team India comfortably romped home 5-0. But as Sharda Ugra rightly pointed out in ‘Beware the euphoria of a whitewash’ and said ‘If anyone thinks India have righted the wrongs of the summer in England with the result in the home ODI series, they need to think again’.

On home soil, the team is a different unit, unlike the one which is fielded elsewhere, brimmed with confidence and pushed by crowds. Only one team has had the muscle to beat the Indians at home since 2010, South Africa. They did twice, in the World Cup earlier this year and the three-match ODI series in 2010 more remembered for Sachin Tendulkar’s 200*. But as Ms.Ugra has pointed out, the visiting English might not pose a threat which the South Africans or Australians would. Especially with the inexperience most of the team had on Indian conditions.

Now with no T-20 extravaganzas ahead, the team can hatch their plans to fare better in Australia. They will tour down under later this year after facing the West Indian team for three tests and five ODI’s.

Listening to the commentary of the Rugby World Cup really gave me a better picture of what was happening at Eden Park on Saturday Night, tuning in from the second half after catching The Guardian‘s live updates in the first. The French could not bank much on the Kiwi’s failed scoring opportunities although they had a brilliant play to change the score line to 7-8 from 0-8 within the 50th minute. What followed was a nerving 30 minutes which ended with the Kiwi’s missing another penalty. The Kiwis were not at their best but just managed edge ahead of the French who according to Paul Rees were the better team with decisions going against them.

But France’s scrum-half, Dimitri Yachvili, admitted they had the same luck which helped them overcome Wales in the semi-final.

On Sunday, the newsroom had stopped working when the Manchester Derby was going on, unable to believe what was going on at Old Trafford. Goals poured in as a feeling of the home side giving up seeped in. Mario Balotelli scored twice with Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and David Silva pitching apiece. Darren Fletcher scored the inconsequential goal for United.

The worst defeat in a decade for the team and equalling the defeat of 5 goals which has happened twice, in 1955 and 1926, safe to say a generation ago.

With so much sport happening, the entry of Rob Nicole in ODI cricket probably went unnoticed. Scoring a century on debut against Zimabwe at Harare, he joined an elite list which includes compatriot Martin Guptill. Dennis Amiss, Desomnd Haynes, Andy Flower, Saleem Elahi and Colin Ingram make up the special list.

The tiger who never crouched

I have not seen the man wield the willow, but have grown up hearing tales about him.

As a kid, reading on Indian cricket occupied a good amount of my time. Honestly, less reading and more pictures gazing. The frozen frames giving work to my imagination, wondering about the build-up to the strokes.  Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi was one player who took up a good chunk of my gazing time. Flamboyance lined in almost every shot.

Taken from Cricinfo

I remember my uncle recalling the press meet after the Madras Test in 1961. He had scored his maiden 100 against Ted Dexter’s English side. A journalist asked the Nawab on what made him believe he could play test cricket after he lost an eye in a car accident at the tender age of 20. “When I saw the English bowl,” the reply came, my uncle said. Pride was filled in his voice. For him Pataudi was the greatest thing which happened to Indian cricket then.

A role model and style icon for youth of that generation, Patuadi instilled belief in his men to win matches abroad. For this, he has the distinction of leading the team to the country’s first test series win, 3-1 in New Zealand. The squad also had an uncapped Sunil Gavaskar, who never got to play.

There could probably be no player of his calibre and guts, facing the deadly Caribbean pacers not just without helmets, but with just one eye.

I feel deprived, not to have watched this man on the field. Setting an example, tales of his fielding do as the same rounds as that of his captaincy.

Todays,The Hindu carried a picture of the Nawab slogging one, probably past square leg, during his unbeaten 128 against the Aussies at the Corporation Stadium in Madras. His eyes fixed. His stance firm and a golf-like swing captured in black and white. I have spent 30 minutes at work gazing at that photograph.

Dravid’s impeccable feat

Try to recall when was the last time you saw Rahul Dravid score a century and eventually India ended up losing. Not many results popping, aren’t they?

Dravid’s 33^rd century was the only second instance when India has lost a test after witnessing the crafty right-hander stroke his way to a ton.

Previously, Dravid’s 118 against Zimbabwe in Harare, 1998, was the only such instance in an impeccable record of centuries. Among the players who have scored over 30 centuries in test cricket, he has the least number of centuries in a losing cause to his credit.

However, there is one person who can be added to the list for comparison, one certain Donald Bradman, whose feat Dravid now shares. After scoring, his first and third centuries – a 112 at MCG in 1928 and 131 at Trent Bridge, both against England, the cricketing fraternity never witnessed another of Sir Don’s hundreds go in vain.

Among the contemporary players, who have over 9000 runs to their credit, only Jacques Kallis and Mahela Jayawardene come close to this mark with three apiece. Ricky Ponting, the third-highest run getter, has four tons, while the uncanny Shivnarine Chanderpaul has six which were for a losing cause. Sachin Tendulkar has eleven such centuries.

Although there can be other examples which can be put forward, for instance, Sourav Ganguly who has not scored a single 100 when India lost. But to compare to a stature of Dravid’s needs tremendous accomplishment. An accomplishment only a few players have under their names.

Rahul Dravid might have been shadowed by Tendulkar as many reports claim, but he has shown the light for his team on several occasions. His performances etch into the viewer’s mind as they stand a class apart or most of them at least. They have come at a time when other batsmen have failed.

Aptly called the ‘Wall’ for his stubbornness to vacate the crease. Fifteen (45.45%) of his 33 centuries have seen India win, while Sachin has 20 (39.21%) victorious tons out 51. Rahul Dravid’s big performance will have always have a story behind them. Such as this one at Lord’s.

Tossing Up – India vs England preview

In 2007, India toured England after a humiliating first round exit in the World Cup and the English were whitewashed 5-0 in the 2006-07 Ashes in Australia. But this year, India has won the World Cup and England retained the Ashes beating Australia 3-1 after 24 years in Australia.

In these four years Australian domination has fizzled out, India has become finally become a superpower, not in terms of money but the power of being the best team in the world. Not lagging behind, England re-worked their development path after Andy Flower took over, closely on the heels of India to become the best test team.  The stage is set for an even competition.

The highly anticipated first test starting today at Lords proves that destiny can pull a handy trick once in a while. Being the 2000^th test, it could also add another digit in Sachin Tendulkar’s batting summary. The Little Master may look above into the English summer skies, raising his bat and removing his helmet for an unmatched hundred times in the international stage.

But if past performances have their way, we might not witness the much-awaited century at the cradle of cricket. Tendulkar has played four tests and seven innings at the venue scoring 149 runs at 21.28. Not able to notch up a half-century, his highest score here is a measly 37.

The Indian team without Virender Sehwag, for the first two tests, could face an uphill task with Tamil Nadu’s Abinav Mukund given a chance or Rahul Dravid opening to accommodate both Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina in the XI, solving M.S.Dhoni’s dilemma to pick either one.

Along with Zaheer Khan and S.Sreesanth who have made a comeback from injuries, Harbhjan Singh, Tendulkar, Dravid and V.V.S.Laxman apart from M.S.Dhoni are the survivors from the 2007 series. It would be a stiff challenge for Gautam Gambhir to get the better of the pace attack and Graeme Swann. James Anderson’s lethal swing combined it Swann’s (recently crowned No.1 in ODIs) sharp off-breaks could put the Indian line-up on the back foot. Also, Chris Tremlett who made a phenomenal comeback in the Ashes last year has made clear his plans to use bounce as his modus operandi.

However the Indian team has drawn a lot from the recently concluded West Indies tour. Suresh Raina, not gifted to play the red cherry like he plays the white ball, showed signs of an improved game against the short ball in light of the speculation regarding his future in the playing XI after Yuvraj was declared fit.

The Uttar Pradesh southpaw made full use of his second chance, his judgement of the short ball stands claim to his preparation.

The English are no longer gentlemen. The skipper would rather have his team’s performance speak for him. The team, which was last beaten in the 2008-09 Wisden Trophy, shows no signs of giving up until they snatch the No.1 ranking from the visitors.

Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott have been toying around with bowling attacks. Ian Bell has secured the middle order spot with his ability to adapt to situations. Eoin Morgan and Matthew Prior scored whilst their place was under scrutiny. Andrew Strauss seems to have regained confidence after his two half centuries in the practice game for Somerset. The last thing the Indians would need is Kevin Pietersen getting into flow.

The series is a peak in test match competition. The faster version of Beethoven’s 9^th symphony would be apt to describe the anxious feelings of fans just minutes ahead of the first ball.