It is about eight years since train service was introduced in the newly-converted broad gauge track in the Salem – Attur section. At present, the Salem – Chennai Egmore overnight service is the only express train to be operated via Attur.
Two more long distance express trains – Puducherry to Mangalore; and Puducherry to Yesvantpur – too are being operated in this section. But both these trains are weekly trains. What has caused much anxiety to the commuters of Attur town and the surrounding areas is that all the three express trains arrive and depart from Attur station in the night hours.
All the three pairs of trains being plied on this section during day time are passenger services – Bangalore-Karaikal passenger and two pairs of Salem – Vriddhachalam passenger trains. The only regular express train Salem – Chennai Egmore service departs from Attur at 10.10 p.m.; while the Chennai Egmore – Salem train departs at 4.35 a.m. The Puducherry – Mangalore express is operated via Attur (8.10 p.m.) on Thursdays and the Mangalore – Puducherry Express on Saturdays. The Puducherry – Yesvantpur express is operated via Attur (12.30 a.m.) on Sundays. The Yesvantpur – Puducherry Express departs from Attur at 2.25 a.m. on Saturdays. Ever since the newly-converted BG track was commissioned, the commuters of Attur have been demanding additional trains.
Attur is a major town in the western part of the state and accounts for a large number of sago factories.The people of Attur and the surrounding villages have been demanding the creation of a new revenue district with Attur as headquarters. A struggle committee has already been formed.
As such, more trains via Attur will immensely benefit the travelling public, says K. Vadivel, president, Rail Passengers Welfare Association, Attur.