Commuters have opposed the planned diversion of the Mannargudi-Chennai Egmore Mannai Express via Tiruvarur from March. Now, the train goes through Thanjavur and Kumbakonam to reach Mayiladuthurai from where it will take the main line.
There is remarkable patronage for Mannai Express. Though allotted under the pooled quota, passengers are booking tickets from Mannargudi and Nidamangalam under the general quota marking boarding points at their preference.
We have been making several representations for creating general quota allotment of berths up to Kumbakonam.
We were assured that the train service would not be disturbed.
The diversion proposal was breach of trust, says A. Giri, member, Divisional Rail Users Consultative Committee.
Sale of UTS tickets at Thanjavur, Papanasam and Kumbakonam is more than those at stations allotted to the service under the general quota.
Train No 16175/76 Chennai Egmore-Karaikal and Train No 16185/86 Chennai Egmore-Velankanni Express trains are operated via Tiruvarur. Sale of UTS tickets for those trains are much lower than tickets sold for Mannai Express in Thanjavur, Papanasam and Kumbakonam collectively. If the diversion plan is implemented then the higher revenue generating A Grade stations such as Thanjavur and Kumbakonam will be left with only Uzhavan Express for connectivity to Chennai during nights.
The timings of Uzhavan Express are not convenient for the main kine users,’’ says T. Saravanan, secretary, Papanasam Train Passengers Association.
Passengers point out that the introduction of the Tirunelveli-Tambaram Antyodaya Express will in no way justify the diversion of Mannai Express as both fall under different categories. With Mannai Express originating at a near location, passengers from Thanjavur, Papanasam and Kumbakonam could get more reserved accommodation.
Users have petitioned the Railway Minister Piyush Goyal to retain Mannai Express’s present route. The Thanjavur District Rail Users’ Association has petitioned the Railways Minister and regional MPs to retain the service.
