The Salem Railway Division has proposed to introduce a unique circular train system for Coimbatore using electric multiple units connecting major areas such as Mettupalayam, Coimbatore North, Coimbatore Junction, Podanur and Singanallur.
The Salem Division has already taken up the proposal with the Railway Ministry, said Shubhranshu, Divisional Railway Manager, while addressing the Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee (DRUCC) meeting held here on Tuesday.
Introduction of this facility will go a long way in further promoting the business interest of Coimbatore city and surrounding areas.
Replying to the plea of C. Balasubramanian for introduction of an overnight train from Coimbatore to Bengaluru, the DRM said that a proposal has already been forwarded to Railway Board.
When he drew the attention of the authorities on the ticket counters at the second entry remaining closed, the DRM said that automated ticket vending machines (ATVMs) have been installed for the use of passengers. Regarding the demand for a train between Coimbatore and Puducherry, the DRM assured to forward this proposal to the Board.
On a demand from Jayakrishnan Palanisamy, for routing of more trains through Coimbatore, it was informed that train No. 22207/22208 Chennai Central - Thiruvananthapuram Express is being routed through Coimbatore from April 2016, and more trains would follow.
Mohansankar pleaded for steps for developing North Coimbatore Railway Station and shifting of goods shed to Irugur.
He was informed that these steps have already being taken up.
P. Rajendran demanded increase in the number of coaches in the Mettupalayam-Coimbatore passenger, in view of the present road traffic bottlenecks. Immediate steps will be taken in this regard, he was told.
He also demanded steps for stopping this train at Veerapandi, Puthupalayam, and Urumandipalayam. Stoppages will be provided if the respective local bodies came forward to allot funds for the construction of railway station premises. He also pleaded for the running of this passenger on Sundays, too.
J.V. Sureshkumar complained that both the entrances of Tirupur station are poorly lit and demanded the authorities to stop all the trains for five minutes at Tirupur for loading of parcels.
He was informed that seven trains were already provided with five minutes stoppage. However, the loading is very poor and if the booking improved, certainly, more trains would be stopped.
Kishore Kumar Krishnasamy drew the attention of the authorities on the need for the construction of a VIP waiting hall at Tirupur station. He was informed that Tirupur Corporation is yet to deposit the assured Rs. 10 lakh to the Railways for the implementation of the project.
C.S. Gowthaman raised the issue of water-logging in concourse area in Erode. Mr. Shubhranshu assured to improve the drainage facilities soon.
N. Sivanesan demanded the extension of Salem-Vridhachalam passenger up to Erode.
K. Raju pleaded for a passenger train service from Salem to Dindigul via Karur.
A proposal for the same has already been forwarded to the Railway Board, in addition to trains from Salem to Thanjavur via Karur and Tiruchi.
R.S. Sinha, Additional Divisional Railway Manager, K. P. Damodaran, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, E. Harikrishnan, Senior Divisional Operations Manager, and other branch officers participated in the meeting.
