Passenger train service between Erode and Coimbatore that was halted for over two years resumed its service on Friday, but with an increase in fare.
Train No 66601 Erode Junction – Coimbatore Junction passenger train and Train No 66600 Coimbatore Junction – Erode Junction passenger trains were operated regularly and the fare between the two junctions was ₹25. But due to COVID-19, the service was stopped in 2020 and has not been restored so far. Due to the growing demands of the public, the Salem Railway Division announced restoration of train service between the two stations, but as an unreserved express MEMU special (daily) train.
Train No 06801 Erode – Coimbatore Unreserved Express (MEMU) special (daily) train would depart at Erode Junction at 7.15 am and stop at Thottipalayam, Perundurai, Ingur, Vijayamangalam, Uthukuli, Tiruppur, Vanjipalayam, Somanur, Sulur Road, Irugur, Peelamedu and, Coimbatore North and arrive at Coimbatore Junction at 9.45 am. Likewise, Train No 06800 Coimbatore – Erode Unreserved Express (MEMU) special (daily) would depart from Coimbatore at 6.35 pm to reach Erode Junction at 9.15 pm. The fare was also hiked by ₹50 between the two junctions. The trains comprising eight coaches (two motor cars and six trailer cars) will not stop at Singanallur halt station and stoppage in the station will be notified later.
On Friday, members of Erode District Congress Minority Wing, led by its president J. Suresh and its vice president K.N. Basha performed puja and distributed sweets to the passengers. Mr. Basha, who is also the former member of Zonal Railway User’s Consultative Committee, said that their request to the railways to resume the service at the earliest was finally fulfilled as the trains would benefit passengers in the region every day.
