Coimbatore Consumer Voice (CVC) on Thursday launched a signature campaign to expedite the gauge conversion from Coimbatore to Pollachi that is pending for nearly nine years. Signatures would be sent to the Prime Minister through emails and postcards.
The campaign was launched by the former Vice-Chancellor of Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University S. Shanmugasundaram.
Appreciating the interest shown by authorities concerned in speedy completion of metro train project in Chennai, CVC President Isaac Samathanam said that speedy completion of the gauge conversion was very important to link the Manchester of South India (Coimbatore) with Southern Tamil Nadu, through Pollachi and Palani.
He said that railway authorities took shelter under the pretext of financial paucity while revenue authorities expressed legal hindrances in land acquisition at the track site for delay in completion of the work.
Impact
The signature campaign was launched in a bid to take the impact of the delay in completion of gauge conversion works on the public – to the Union and State Governments. CVC has planned to join hands with NGOs and like minded organisations to reach people in Coimbatore, Pollachi, Palani, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Kanyakumari and Rameswaram.
The consumer forum has also urged the government to rename the Coimbatore to Rameswaram Express train as Rameswaram Abdul Kalam Express – after the name and home town of the 11{+t}{+h}President of India.
Persons interested in signing the campaign can reach CVC over phone at 0422-2302527, or send a post-card with their signature to CVC, 814, Old Post Office Road (near Collectorate), Coimbatore – 641018.
