After a gap of seven years, train services resumed on the Pollachi – Palakkad newly converted broad gauge section on Monday.
In 2008, the 55-km-long metre gauge section was closed for traffic for broad gauge conversion. Delayed by litigations relating to land acquisition, contractual failures and cost escalation, the Pollachi – Palakkad section broad gauge conversion was finally completed. The passenger train services resumed on Monday. To begin with, four pairs of train services are being operated on the Pollachi – Palakkad section and the fare for travelling 55 km is fixed at Rs.15.
Trains will leave Pollachi at 4.30 a.m., 10.15 a.m., 7.30 p.m. and 8.45 p.m. and will reach Palakkad at 6.15 a.m., 11.45 a.m., 21.15 hours and 22 hours respectively. In the return direction, they will depart Palakkad town at 4.30 a.m., 8.05 a.m., 5.30 p.m. and 8.25 p.m. and reach Pollachi at 6 a.m., 9.15 a.m., 19.00 hours and 22.15 hours. The gauge conversion of the Podanur – Pollachi section is still in progress and authorities are hoping that will be ready sometime next year.
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