Trial run on the newly laid broad gauge track between Palani and Pollachi would be conducted within two months, Union Minister for Shipping G.K. Vasan said on Sunday.
Flagging off the new passenger train (No.056769) to Tiruchendur at Palani railway station, as announced in the Railway Budget 2013 -14, he said the Commissioner for Rail Safety would inspect the new track.
Commissioning of signal system was at the final stage, and the work was in progress in the Pollachi section, he said. After the gauge conversion work was completed, Dindigul-Palani passenger train was introduced in 2011, and Palani-Chennai express train was launched in 2013.
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The Palani-Tiruchendur train would cover four of the six abodes of Lord Muruga (arupadai veedu). The government was keen on improving infrastructure facilities for the benefit of pilgrims visiting the temple. Laying of separate walkers’ path between Dindigul and Palani was under way, Mr.Vasan noted.
The members of Passengers’ Association said office-goers expressed their happiness over the train timings. “The train that departs at 9.15 a.m. will be of no use to us. Now, we have three services in the morning and two services in the evening,” they added.
The passenger train will leave Palani station at 7.20 a.m., reach Dindigul at 8.45 a.m. and leave the station at 8.50 a.m.
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The train which will arrive at Tiruchendur at 4 p.m. will stop at Chathirapatti, Oddanchatram, Akkaraipatti, Dindigul, Ambathurai, Kodai Road, Sholavandan, Madurai, Tirupparankundram, Tirumangalam, Virudhunagar, Sattur, Kovilpatti, Kadambur, Vanchi Maniyachchi, Naraikinaru, Talaiyuthu, Tirunelveli, Palayamkottai, Seydunganallur, Thathankulam, Srivaikundam, Alwathirunagari, Nazareth, Kachchanavilai, Kurumbur, Arumuganeri and Kayalpattinam.
In the return direction, the train (No.056770) will leave Tiruchendur at 10 a.m. and reach Palani at 7.20 p.m. It arrives at Dindigul at 5.35 p.m. and leaves the station at 5.40 p.m. The fare from Tiruchendur to Palani is Rs.60.
Tuticorin MP S.R. Jayadurai flagged off Tiruchendur–Palani passenger train at Tiruchendur at 10.40 a.m.