A Member of Parliament from Pollachi has formally requested Southern Railway to extend two crucial train services, aiming to significantly enhance rail connectivity between Coimbatore and various parts of Tamil Nadu. The proposals include extending the Jan Shatabdi Express to Chidambaram and the Intercity Express to Bodinayakanur, addressing long-standing passenger demands for improved travel options. These initiatives are seen as vital for facilitating easier access for education, business, pilgrimage, and tourism to these regions.
Jan Shatabdi Extension to Chidambaram
Pollachi MP K. Eswarasamy has written to Southern Railway authorities proposing the extension of Train Numbers 12083/12084, the Coimbatore–Mayiladuthurai–Coimbatore Jan Shatabdi Express, to Chidambaram. The rationale behind this demand is to provide direct rail access to Chidambaram, a city renowned for the historic Nataraja Temple and Annamalai University, and a gateway to the popular tourist spot Pichavaram. The MP highlighted that extending this service would greatly benefit passengers traveling for educational pursuits, medical treatments, business engagements, religious pilgrimges, and tourism. In recognition of potential operational constraints, the Member of Parliament suggested an alternative: if extending the train to Chidambaram proves unfeasible, it could commence its journey from Podanur Junction at 6 AM instead of Coimbatore Junction, ensuring a more convenient departure time for many travelers.
Intercity Express Extension to Bodinayakanur
Furthermore, the MP has advocated for the extension of Train Numbers 16721/16722, the Madurai–Coimbatore–Madurai Intercity Express, to Bodinayakanur. This request stems from the current lack of direct rail connectivity between Coimbatore and the Theni district. The proposed extension would serve passengers in Coimbatore, Pollachi, Kinathukadavu, Udumalpet, and Palani, while also benefiting residents of Theni, Andipatti, and Usilampatti. The MP pointed out that a direct train service between Coimbatore and Bodinayakanur was operational during the metre-gauge era, and its restoration is a long-cherished demand of the local populace. The reintroduction of this service would re-establish a vital transportation link that has been missing for decades.
Podanur Junction Stoppage Demands
In parallel, the Tamil Nadu Rail Users Federation (TRUF), in conjunction with the Podanur Train Users Association, has put forward a separate set of demands for additional train stoppages at Podanur Junction. These demands include seeking stoppages for the Mangaluru–Coimbatore–Mangaluru Intercity Express (12083/12084), the Ernakulam–Bengaluru–Ernakulam Intercity Express (16377/16378), and the Ernakulam–Karaikal Express (16188/16187). These stoppages were reportedly discontinued following the COVID-19 pandemic, and their reintroduction is deemed essential for improving local passenger convenience and connectivity from Podanur.
These proposals collectively underscore a growing regional aspiration for enhanced railway infrastructure and services, reflecting the continuous efforts by local representatives and passenger associations to improve connectivity and meet the evolving travel needs of the populace in and around Coimbatore and other parts of Tamil Nadu.
The Chenab Times News Desk
