Commuters in Cuddalore and Chidambaram were hoping that after the gauge conversion, new train services would be introduced, besides restoring the original services, but in vain.
However, many of the train services now being operated on this new track are missing these stations, even though Cuddalore happens to be the district headquarters and Chidambaram, a religious and tourist town.
A few trains that halt at these stations are overcrowded and the stations lack basic amenities. Though adequate funds have been earmarked in the Railway Budget for giving a facelift to these stations, the works are progressing, if at all, sluggishly.
The Federation of All Resident Welfare Associations-Cuddalore and the Consumer Guild of Tamil Nadu have voiced displeasure over the state of affairs at the Cuddalore and Chidambaram stations.
In a representation addressed to the General Manager of the Southern Railway, Federation general secretary M. Maruthavanan said that the Thirupadiripuliyur and the Old Town railway stations in Cuddalore lacked basic amenities.
The very entrance to the Thirupadiripuliyur station presented an unseemly sight with garbage dump on one side, puddles of water all over and approach roads full of potholes.
The booking counter needed a redo and platforms had become a dumping yard. The solitary water tap on the platform provided muddied water.
The toilets were not opened to public use and works going on at the foot overbridge rendered it unfit for use. Guild secretary C.D. Appavau in his representation urged the General Manager to restore services such as the Tirupati Express, Sengottah Express and 110 Fast Passenger, besides increasing the frequency of the Villupuram-Mayiladuthirai services from twice a day to six times a day, and running the Sendur Express daily instead of once a week.
The Pune Express should have a halt at Chidambaram, and, the Mysore Express and the Tirunelveli Fast Passenger should commence their journey from Chidambaram.
