Introduction of new train services from Tiruchi; allocation of more funds for the ongoing Villupuram-Dindigul doubling project; establishment of a rail coach factory at Golden Rock and upgrading Srirangam and Pudukottai railway stations constitute the long list of demands put forth by the Tiruchi Member of Parliament P.Kumar to Southern Railway authorities.
The slew of demands pertaining to the Tiruchi Lok Sabha constituency were placed by Mr.Kumar ahead of the meeting proposed to be convened by Southern Railway authorities with the MPs of various constituencies after the conclusion of the monsoon session of Parliament.
The detailed representation forwarded to the Southern Railway General Manager a few days ago by Mr.Kumar has sought the introduction of new trains from Tiruchi to Bangalore; a daytime express train from Pudukottai to Chennai via Tiruchi; Tiruchi-Chennai-Tiruchi Duranto Express; Tiruchi-Tirupati day express and Tiruchi-Madurai-Tirunelveli-Nagercoil-Kanyakumari express.
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Stoppage of all trains at Srirangam and Ponmalai railway stations and extension of the Tiruchi -Tirunelveli Intercity Express up to Kanyakumari have also been sought. Taking into account the well-established infrastructure at the Golden Rock railway workshop and the vast extent of vacant land falling within the railway colony, an Integral Coach Factory could be started at Golden Rock, the representation said.
Rs.1,280 crore
Though the estimated cost of the Villupuram-Dindigul doubling project was Rs.1,280 crore, a meagre amount of Rs.60 crore had been allocated in the 2012-13 railway budget, the representation said while urging the General Manager to take necessary steps to obtain more funds for the ongoing project.
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With train services having been restored in the main line (from Villupuram to Thanjavur via Mayiladuthurai) following completion of gauge conversion work, there was no meaning in operating the Rockfort Express from Kumbakonam and the train should be restored back to Tiruchi.
Overbridge
The representation also sought construction of a new road overbridge near Maris theatre close to Tiruchi Fort station after dismantling the existing one; a road overbridge between Rasavayal and Tiruvappur in Pudukottai and a new road overbridge between Singaperumalkovil and Boys Higher Secondary School at Srirangam.
Conversion of the existing railway reservation counter at Golden rock currently entertaining only passes into a full-fledged centre; opening of a passenger reservation centre at Pudukottai; installation of reverse osmosis plants at railway school, Ponmalai, and establishment of a petrol bunk in Ponmalai are the other demands forming part of the representation.