Southern Railway has proposed new train services and extensions from Mettupalayam by August 2026, citing tourism demand and infrastructure upgrades including yard expansion and additional platforms in Coimbatore district.
Coimbatore:
Southern Railway has proposed the introduction of multiple new train services and extensions from Mettupalayam railway station in Coimbatore district, aiming to improve connectivity and cater to growing passenger demand in the region.
According to an official communication from the Ministry of Railways, Mettupalayam serves as a key gateway to the Nilgiris and connects to the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, attracting tourists from across the country to destinations such as Ooty and Coonoor.
Railway authorities noted that Coimbatore city has expanded up to Mettupalayam, increasing the demand for direct train services from the station to various parts of the country.
To support these proposals, infrastructure upgrades are currently underway at Mettupalayam, including yard expansion, addition of two loop lines, and construction of a new island platform. These works are expected to be completed by July 2026, after which new services can be introduced.
Among the proposed services is a new daily train connecting Mettupalayam with Rameswaram via Podanur and Pollachi. In addition, several existing trains are planned to be extended to originate or terminate at Mettupalayam.
These include the extension of the Coimbatore–Chennai Vande Bharat service, which is proposed to run from Mettupalayam (except Wednesdays), as well as extensions of trains connecting to Mangalore, Madurai, and Kannur.
Further proposals include extending select Coimbatore–Shoranur and Coimbatore–Palakkad Town passenger services up to Mettupalayam, allowing better utilization of layover time and improving regional connectivity between Mettupalayam, Coimbatore, Podanur, and Pollachi.
Railway officials stated that these proposals are part of a broader plan to strengthen rail connectivity in the region, enhance tourism access to the Nilgiris, and meet the increasing travel needs of residents in the expanding Coimbatore urban area.
The final decision on implementation will depend on approval from the Railway Board and completion of the ongoing infrastructure works.
Southern Railway has proposed the introduction of multiple new train services and extensions from Mettupalayam railway station in Coimbatore district, aiming to improve connectivity and cater to growing passenger demand in the region.
According to an official communication from the Ministry of Railways, Mettupalayam serves as a key gateway to the Nilgiris and connects to the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, attracting tourists from across the country to destinations such as Ooty and Coonoor.
Railway authorities noted that Coimbatore city has expanded up to Mettupalayam, increasing the demand for direct train services from the station to various parts of the country.
To support these proposals, infrastructure upgrades are currently underway at Mettupalayam, including yard expansion, addition of two loop lines, and construction of a new island platform. These works are expected to be completed by July 2026, after which new services can be introduced.
Among the proposed services is a new daily train connecting Mettupalayam with Rameswaram via Podanur and Pollachi. In addition, several existing trains are planned to be extended to originate or terminate at Mettupalayam.
These include the extension of the Coimbatore–Chennai Vande Bharat service, which is proposed to run from Mettupalayam (except Wednesdays), as well as extensions of trains connecting to Mangalore, Madurai, and Kannur.
Further proposals include extending select Coimbatore–Shoranur and Coimbatore–Palakkad Town passenger services up to Mettupalayam, allowing better utilization of layover time and improving regional connectivity between Mettupalayam, Coimbatore, Podanur, and Pollachi.
Railway officials stated that these proposals are part of a broader plan to strengthen rail connectivity in the region, enhance tourism access to the Nilgiris, and meet the increasing travel needs of residents in the expanding Coimbatore urban area.
The final decision on implementation will depend on approval from the Railway Board and completion of the ongoing infrastructure works.