Tamil Nadu - Tirunelveli   

Pothigai Express to run 6 days a week

Staff Reporter

Minister inspects gauge conversion work

PROJECT ON TRACK: The Minister of State for Railways, R. Velu, inspecting gauge conversion work between Tenkasi and Shencottah from a special train on Saturday. — Photo: A. Shaikmohideen

TIRUNELVELI: Pothigai Express, now running between Tenkasi and Chennai thrice a week, would be operated from Shencottah to the State capital six days a week from June once the ongoing gauge conversion work was completed, the Union Minister of State for Railways, R. Velu, has said.

Taking to reporters, Mr. Velu, who reached Tenkasi on Saturday morning by a special train to inspect the gauge conversion work, said the specially designed gauge being laid between Tenkasi and Shencottah would be able to receive both broad gauge and meter gauge trains.

The gauge conversion work would be completed by May.

Mr. Velu dismissed the protest threat by the Tenkasi MLA, V. Karuppasamy Pandian, that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam would launch an agitation if the train was not operated seven days a week.

"The PMK ministers for Railways in the past and present, under the direction of Dr. Ramadoss (founder of Pattali Makkal Katchi), are striving hard to convert as much metre gauge tracks in Tamil Nadu into broad gauge. Thirty-nine of the 93 rail over-bridges, sanctioned by the Railway Ministry, are in Tamil Nadu, including the over-bridge at Tenkasi. Protesting against any decision is their right."

Study in progress

On gauge conversion work between Shencottah and Punalur in Kerala, the Minister said that intensive studies were going on whether the exercise could be taken up with the existing land, as acquiring more land close to the tracks would be a time-consuming process.

The study also included the possible broadening of five tunnels and strengthening of a scenic bridge on this section.

However, work between Punalur and Kollam would positively commence in May.

While gauge conversion work between Tiruchendur and Tirunelveli would be completed this year, the work between Shencottah-Punalur and Tenkasi-Tirunelveli would commence next year, he said.

Later, Mr. Velu left for Kollam as part of his gauge conversion inspection tour.

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