COIMBATORE: Passenger associations in Coimbatore have opposed Southern Railway‘s proposal to extend the Mayiladuthurai–Thanjavur passenger train to Palakkad — instead of Coimbatore — from Pollachi. They have urged railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to revise the proposal so that the train reaches Coimbatore Junction via Palani and Pollachi.
In a letter to the minister, the associations highlighted that their request for an unreserved passenger train service from Mayiladuthurai to Coimbatore via Thanjavur, Trichy, Dindigul, Palani, Pollachi and Kinathukkadavu was initially considered by the railways.However, to their dismay, Southern Railway’s proposal released on Sept 20 indicated that the train would be extended to Palakkad from Pollachi.
“This is the second instance where a train meant for Coimbatore has been diverted to Palakkad,” they noted.
The associations recalled a similar diversion in Dec 2021 when Tiruchendur Express, expected to be extended to Coimbatore, was instead rerouted to Palakkad despite strong protests by Pollachi, Coimbatore and the Nilgiris MPs and four MLAs from the region.
“We, the passengers of Coimbatore district and the Western Tamil Nadu region, strongly condemn such actions by Southern Railway, which deprive passengers of essential services due to poor decision-making. We also strongly oppose any move to extend the UDAY Express beyond Pollachi to Palakkad. We would appreciate it if the service were extended to Palani instead, as it would enhance connectivity logically,” the letter stated.
The associations have requested Southern Railway officials to revise the proposal for the Mayiladuthurai–Thanjavur passenger train (No 06415/06416), so it reaches Coimbatore Junction via Palani, Pollachi, and Kinathukkadavu from Mayiladuthurai. They also urged the rerouting of the Palakkad – Tiruchendur Express train (N. 16731/16732) from Pollachi to Coimbatore via Kinathukkadavu.