The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Coimbatore News : Uncertainty over train service to Mettupalayam looms large

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Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore

Uncertainty over train service to Mettupalayam looms large

V.S. Palaniappan

Prior to the introduction of the three services, there was only one service in the morning
Need for services from Coimbatore to Palakkad, Tirupur, Erode and Salem stressed

Coimbatore: Uncertainty looms large over converting the three pairs of special train service on Coimbatore – Mettuppalayam – Coimbatore section into a permanent service even though approval is awaited from the Railway Board.

Prior to the introduction of the three services, there was only one service in the morning on either direction in addition to the Nilgiris Express that leaves Coimbatore in the morning and Mettupalayam in the evening.

There had been persistent demands for introduction of frequent train services on this section because of the increasing passengers. Fifty-two trips were being operated by TNSTC and private operators, besides 22 town services between Coimbatore and Periyanaickenpalayam/

Karamadai.

T.T. Arangasamy of Mettupalayam pointed out that given the number of bus services operated every day, there was a patronage for train services because of safety and lowest fare. Bus fare between these two places was around Rs. 11 whereas the train fare was Rs 6. K. Kathirmathiyon of Coimbatore Consumer Cause said that train services should be first introduced and then it should be popularised.K. Ramakrishnan, General Secretary of Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam said that Railway Ministry was not keen on operating the services.

In June, the Southern Railway – Salem Division on a trial basis ran three pairs of special trains for a month on all days except Sundays.

In June end, an announcement extending the services for only ten days that too cancelling one pair of service on either side at noon led to an agitation. Southern Railway promised to extend the same till July end. The other demand from various associations and political parties was that train should stop at Thudialur, Urumandampalayam, Pudupalayam and Veerapandi.

Railway authorities said that the services in the mornings and evenings had encouraging patronage and was certain to improve over a period of time, whereas the services at noon lacked patronage. Stopping of the train at four railway stations en route will not be immediately possible because these stations were in a dilapidated condition.

On the plea for operating the service on Sundays, Railway authorities pointed out that the engines and rakes of the passenger trains were over-used and they certainly required a schedule for maintenance, hence it had to be stopped for a day either on a Sunday or on any week day.

Mr. Kathirmathiyon said that there was a pertinent need for services from Coimbatore to Palakkad, Tirupur, Erode and Salem.

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