This direct train service which has been restored after 14 years is expected to help the growth of the economy and transportation of goods, with the train fare costing less in comparison and tickets booked in the UTS online facility.
Coimbatore: In a concerted effort to ensure better train connectivity from Coimbatore to Southern districts of the State via Palani which is the shortest route, direct train services have been restored after 14 years.
Pollachi MP Shanmughasundaram flagged off the direct train service between Coimbatore and Madurai via Palani on Thursday from Coimbatore junction.
The direct train service is expected to help the growth of the economy and transportation of goods. The train fare also costs less in comparison and tickets can also be booked in the UTS online facility.
After spending more than Rs.1000 crores for guage conversion, the utilisation of the rail line will improve in this sector. The ongoing electrification work from Palani to Dindigul is nearing completion. Once the certification is completed, an electric locomotive will be used in this train which will further reduce the travel time between Coimbatore and Madurai.
In the near future, this train service is expected to be extended to Thoothukudi with an AC Chair Car and reservation facilities for the convienience of passengers which will increase the patronage. The train service from Thoothukudi will start at 6 am, MDU 9 am, Coimbatore 13.15 pm. On its return journey, the train will depart at 2 pm, MDU 6.15 and reach Thoothukudi at 9.30 pm.
The restoration of the direct train service was the result of a request to the Southern Railways to restore the passenger train service from Dindigul to Coimbatore to enable public who work in Coimbatore travel safely, every day.
Dindigul - 4.45 am, CBE- 8.45 am.
Coimbatore- 9.15 am, DG - 1.15 pm.
Dindigul - 2 pm, CBE - 6 pm.
Coimbatore- 6.30 pm, DG - 10.30 pm.
The Rack for this train service is now readily available in Coimbatore Junction.
The restoration of the train services was possible because of regular requests from common people to the elected representatives in the available forum. The demand for better connectivity was also published by the press regularly which was considered by the railway authorities.
Train: Madurai/ Coimbatore/ Madurai.
Date of Restoration : 1st September, 2022.
Train Number: 16722
Madurai - 7.25 am
Coimbatore - 12.45 pm
Train Number: 16721
Coimbatore - 2.05 pm
Madurai - 7.35 pm