Take a train to key locations from religious hotspots

Chennai: Melmaruvathur, Tiruttani and Sholinghur – the pilgrim centres that attract several thousand people every day – could soon boast of direct trains to key locations in Tamil Nadu with ‘special weekly trains’ to begin with.

Indian Railways is also planning to augment infrastructure facilities at these stations, which are close to Chennai, to tackle the inflow of passengers.

Top officials of Southern Railway, who are involved in discussions, told Deccan Chronicle that the move is being aimed at providing direct trains from these pilgrim centres to tier-II cities such as Madurai, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli and Salem, which would also decongest existing trains that pass through some of these stations.

“The Railway Board has instructed us to submit a list of religious places with an emphasis on places to which maximum train tickets are sold, and the months when there is an increased flow of passengers,” said an official.

“We are in the process of identifying the pilgrim centres from where direct train services to several key junctions can be started. As of now, we have identified these three key pilgrim centres and we might add one or two more,” an official said.

“A washing coach with the capacity of washing an entire is also being planned at Melmaruvathur. We are also focusing on more retiring rooms, lifts and escalators at these stations,” an official added.

Currently, all local and express trains have stoppages at these locations but they are not sufficient given the demand, especially during festive seasons in January and July.

“This would take at least two years before this materializes but all proper facilities will be provided to commuters. Link specials are being planned,” a senior official said. “Currently, passengers see high waitlists on trains to such locations, with these train passengers can plan their trips ahead of time.”

Rail passengers have welcomed the move, as it would stop the exploitation from bus operators. “It is a very good move as these pilgrimage spots find a lot of takers but fewer seats to accommodate them and trains can provide all need facilities like pantry and toilets,” said V. Santhanam, of Chrompet Rail Users Forum. Southern Railway expects support on this move from state tourism department, as this would only help devotees, who turn up in large numbers during religious season.

According to sources, as part of suggestions, baggage scanners, CCTV cameras, AC and non-AC retiring rooms have been submitted and are awaiting the response from the Board.