Over 50 residents, including a city council member, submitted a petition at the Sub-Collector's office in Pollachi against the permanent closure of the Vadugapalayam railway gate, citing inconvenience to 16 villages.
Coimbatore: Residents of Pollachi, led by city council member Uma Maheshwari, staged a protest at the Sub-Collector's office against the sudden decision to permanently close the Vadugapalayam railway gate. The level crossing, numbered 123, is a crucial link between Pollachi and Coimbatore road.
For the past three months, the railway department had been attempting to permanently close this gate. However, the public consistently appealed to the Collector and railway administration, citing the difficulties faced by the local residents. They had been urging the authorities to abandon the plan to permanently close the railway gate.

In a sudden turn of events, the railway administration announced yesterday that the crossing would be permanently closed and began the necessary work. In response, more than 50 residents, led by city council member Uma Maheshwari, submitted a petition at the Sub-Collector's office.
Speaking to reporters, the protesters explained that the Vadugapalayam railway gate, located in the central area, serves as a crucial route for 16 villages to reach Pollachi and Coimbatore. They emphasized that its closure would force residents to travel an additional 6 kilometers to access essential services such as ration shops, hospitals, and schools. The petitioners also stated that the alternative route suggested is not feasible for regular use.
The residents have requested immediate action from the Sub-Collector's office to resolve the issue and prevent the permanent closure of the Vadugapalayam railway gate, which they claim is vital for their daily commute and access to essential services.
For the past three months, the railway department had been attempting to permanently close this gate. However, the public consistently appealed to the Collector and railway administration, citing the difficulties faced by the local residents. They had been urging the authorities to abandon the plan to permanently close the railway gate.
In a sudden turn of events, the railway administration announced yesterday that the crossing would be permanently closed and began the necessary work. In response, more than 50 residents, led by city council member Uma Maheshwari, submitted a petition at the Sub-Collector's office.
Speaking to reporters, the protesters explained that the Vadugapalayam railway gate, located in the central area, serves as a crucial route for 16 villages to reach Pollachi and Coimbatore. They emphasized that its closure would force residents to travel an additional 6 kilometers to access essential services such as ration shops, hospitals, and schools. The petitioners also stated that the alternative route suggested is not feasible for regular use.
The residents have requested immediate action from the Sub-Collector's office to resolve the issue and prevent the permanent closure of the Vadugapalayam railway gate, which they claim is vital for their daily commute and access to essential services.