The Hindu : Front Page : Train routes remain underutilised

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Thursday, Aug 14, 2008
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Train routes remain underutilised

C. Jaishankar

In Madurai-Rameswaram section and Rameswaram-Tiruchi route via Manamadurai

RAMANATHAPURAM: Even after several months of the resumption of train service in the Madurai-Rameswaram section and a few weeks after opening the Rameswaram-Tiruchi route via Manamadurai for traffic, it is said that the routes are underutilised.

According to the sources, eight pairs of trains were operated from Rameswaram, including two trains to Chennai, before gauge conversion in these routes.

Though options are open to operate more trains to Chennai from Rameswaram via Madurai or Karaikudi, along with local trains, only five pairs are being run. Only one train (Sethu Express) is being operated through Karaikudi and Tiruchi. Though officials say that another train to Chennai will be operated through Mayiladudurai after conversion of the main line, a huge demand from Chennai-bound passengers can be met by routing the train through Madurai or Karaikudi.

Trains from Rameswaram to Coimbatore and Palakkad, which enjoyed good patronage of pilgrims to Erwadi, remain suspended on account of pending broad gauge work in Pollachi section.

A railway official in Ramanathapuram said that both these trains could be operated through Madurai, Karur and Erode. It would not only serve the public but also increase the earning from the section to a great extent.

Similarly, there were two pairs of passenger trains between Rameswaram and Tiruchi to connect Rockfort and Pallavan expresses. However, only one train was restored to connect the Rockfort Express. Another train from Rameswaram to Tiruchi, which provided connectivity to Chennai with the Pallavan Express, had not been resumed. A few more commuter trains could also be run to Madurai and Karaikudi, said K. Muralitharan, a travel agent of Rameswaram.

“It is a clear case of underutilisation. After spending several crores on gauge conversion, the section has certainly not been utilised to its potential,” an official added.

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