Commuters of Karaikal region have made a fervent plea for the restoration of the rail link between Karaikal and Peralam, taking into consideration the rise in the volume of traffic, particularly after the opening of the Marg Port in Karaikal.
The original rail link between Karaikal and Peralam – a metre gauge 23-km long segment which was commissioned way back in 1898, was wound up in 1987.
Forceful pleas were made for the restoration of the road link and the commuters gained some confidence after the railways announced a survey for the restoration of the Karaikal – Peralam segment.
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The restoration of the railway line was announced in the Railway budget with an allocation of Rs. 23.76 crore four years ago. The survey was taken up at an expenditure of Rs. 10 lakh.
At present, the trains bound for Karaikal from Peralam, take a detour via Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Nagore – covering 65 km, an additional 41 km over and above the shorter and direct route.
According to Babu, secretary of the Pudukottai District Railway Users Committee, repeated representations had been made to the Union Ministry for the restoration of the segment which would provide direct service between Karaikal and Peralam. This, he said, would, on completion, enable connectivity up to Sirkazhi via Thirunallar-Tharangambadi- Thirukadayur-Akkur -Sirkazhi.
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On Tuesday, one of the goods trains, was seen crossing the Peralam station.
Trains bound for Karaikal from Peralam take a detour via Tiruvarur
Restoration will also link Sirkali and Karaikal through a short route
At present, trains go through Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Nagore, covering an additional 41 km