Revise train timing: residents

Residents have urged the administration to revise the train timing of the bi-weekly special train being run on the new broad gauge line from Pattukottai to Karaikudi.

A 10-member team representing the Karaikudi Chamber of Commerce, Pensioners Association, Lions Club, Rail Passengers Association and Walkers Club of Karaikudi met the Divisional Railway Manager, Tiruchi, P. Uday Kumar Reddy here on Tuesday and submitted a memorandum.

Led by the KCC president Sami. Thiravidamani, the team said the train was running empty in both directions. Deployment of Travelling Gatekeepers on board the train to close 35 manned gates and open them once the train was about to cross the area causes delay.

The authorities should deploy the required manpower and ensure that the train leaves Pattukottai in the morning and reaches Karaikudi in two hours.

The revised timing would benefit students of Pattukottai, Peravurani, Aranthangi and other nearby villages who come to Karaikudi every day to pursue their education.

The train takes about three hours and 20 minutes in both directions while buses take about two hours.

Operating the train from Pattukottai during the morning hours would benefit labourers and fetch revenue to the railways. The team also demanded extension of the train up to Madurai from Karaikudi Junction via Sivaganga and Manamadurai for the benefit of business community of Pattukottai, Peravurani and Karaikudi. It would also benefit those proceeding to Madurai for medical treatment regularly besides daily labourers. Now, public of Pattukottai, Peravurani, Aranthangi and Karaikudi do not have direct rail connectivity to Madurai forcing them to travel by buses.