Include Tiruchi Junction under Vision 2030 plan, Durai Vaiko urges Railway Minister

Tiruchi MP Durai Vaiko has reiterated his request to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to include Tiruchi in the Vision 2030 Plan for doubling the train-originating capacity in major cities across the country.

“Tiruchi deserves to be included in this ambitious programme as it is one of the important railway hubs in Southern Railway connecting the central districts, western, and southern region of Tamil Nadu,” Mr. Durai Vaiko said.

In a representation to the Railway Minister, Mr. Durai Vaiko pointed out that Tiruchi handled substantial passenger and operational traffic every day besides serving as an important originating and terminating point for several long-distance and intercity trains. Tiruchi was also home to the Golden Rock Railway Workshop. 

With steady increase in passenger patronage and the growing demand for additional train services from Tiruchi to various parts of the country, the existing terminal infrastructure is under considerable pressure.  “Inclusion of Tiruchi under the Vision 2030 programme would facilitate the expansion of terminal facilities, creation of additional platforms and maintenance infrastructure, improve operational flexibility, reduce congestion and enable the introduction of more originating services to cater to the needs of the travelling public.” 

Appreciating the visionary initiative of the Indian Railways, Mr. Durai Vaiko requested the Railway Minister to kindly consider including Tiruchi in the Vision 2030 Plan in the interest of balanced regional development and to further strengthen the railway infrastructure in Tamil Nadu.

Daily train

In another representation, Mr. Durai Vaiko requested the Railway Minister to accord sanction for the introduction of a daily day-time express train from Tiruchi to Tiruchendur via Pudukottai, Karaikudi and Aruppukottai.

Despite considerable passenger demand, there is no convenient direct day-time train service connecting Tiruchi with Tiruchendur which is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in Tamil Nadu attracting devotees in large numbers throughout the year.

Introduction of this service would significantly improve rail connectivity for important intermediate towns such as Pudukottai, Karaikudi, and Aruppukottai which lack a direct day-time rail link to Tiruchendur and receive excellent patronage from the travelling public, Mr. Durai Vaiko added.