Pollachi MP Tracks Railway Revival: Calls for Return of Pre-Independence Rail Routes
Member of Parliament K. Eswarasamy has formally petitioned the Railway Ministry to restore historic train routes dating back to 1928 to aid regional connectivity. The proposal targets key Southern Railway links to Rameswaram and Tuticorin while requesting strategic route extensions.
Restoration of Century-Old Connectivity Links
Member of Parliament for Pollachi, K. Eswarasamy, has formally petitioned Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw to reinstate several rail services that originally operated during the pre-Independence era. The memorandum seeks to address the daily transport needs of students, professionals, and the local business community in the Coimbatore district by reviving routes that were active as early as 1928.
A primary focus of the appeal is the Coimbatore/Mettupalayam - Rameswaram Express. Historically identified as train No. 165/166 in 1928 and later as No. 715/716 in 1987, this service would transit through Podanur, Kinathukadavu, Pollachi, and Palani. Additionally, the MP requested the return of the Coimbatore-Tuticorin fast-passenger day train, a service that operated under numbers 149/150 nearly a century ago.
Expanding Coverage and Optimizing Junction Stoppages
Beyond restoration, the MP emphasized the necessity of enhancing current schedules and expanding terminal reach. Eswarasamy proposed extending the Bengaluru-Coimbatore UDAY Express (No. 22665) to reach Palakkad via Pollachi. This adjustment aims to benefit commuters in the Kinathukadavu, Podanur, and Pollachi corridors.
Operational demands included in the memorandum feature:
- Converting the Tambaram-Podanur Junction Special Express (06185/06186) into a permanent service following its high-demand tenure as a temporary weekly special.
- Securing mandatory halts at Podanur Junction for the Coimbatore-Mangaluru Intercity Express, Ernakulam-Bengaluru Intercity Express, and Ernakulam-Karaikal Express.
Strategic Revenue and Religious Tourism Links
The MP also highlighted a persistent public request for a direct rail link to Thirunallar from Coimbatore/Podanur. The proposed route would navigate through Pollachi, Udumalpet, Palani, Dindigul, Tiruchi, and Tiruvarur, ultimately reaching Karaikal. Eswarasamy noted that this specific corridor spans three railway divisions and possesses the potential to generate significant revenue for the Southern Railway due to its anticipated high passenger volume and connection to major pilgrimage sites.
Source: The Hindu — News
