Seeking introduction of additional trains from Madurai to Chennai and Bengaluru to meet the ever increasing rush, a delegation from the Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry submitted a memorandum to the Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi on Thursday.
A copy of the memorandum said two decades ago, Koodal Express was introduced from Madurai to Chennai in the noon, while Vaigai Express was plying in the morning. However, Koodal Express was extended and named as Guruvayur Express. As a result, the number of seats for Madurai passengers had fallen. Hence, the Railways should revive another day train exclusively from Madurai to Chennai and name it Koodal Express.
The delegation comprising senior president S. Rethinavelu, president N. Jagatheesan, other office-bearers and Madurai Lok Sabha MP R. Gopalakrishnan and Dindigul MP Udaykumar impressed upon the need for a day train between Madurai and Bengalurur. Since the Thoothukudi-Mysuru Express was running full and the ticket quota for Madurai passengers was meagre, there was always rush. Hence, the Railways should include the train in the ensuing budget preparations.
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Though the Railways had announced and assured to earmark funds for many new projects in Madurai and southern districts, not much headway was seen. For instance, the Madurai-Bodinaickanur metre gauge section was closed in 2011 and ₹ 150 crore was sanctioned for BG conversion. Despite repeated pleas, meagre fund allocation had kept the project in cold storage.
The Madurai-Thoothukudi new line via Aruppukottai was sanctioned in 2011-12 budget. With the Madurai-Thoothukudi industrial corridor being announced, early expedition of the BG section on the stretch would attract more investors to look for setting up industries here, the chamber said.