RailEnquiry

The Railways has restored Rockfort Express to Tiruchi after sustained struggle by civic groups. But the termination of the train at Tiruchi junction is not sweet music for the people of Tiruverumbur, BHEL Township, Kattur, and Thuvakudi areas.The public in these areas and surrounding villages, including Grand Anicut, in neighbouring Thanjavur district utilising the Tiruverumbur station, have lost their only railway link to Chennai.The Railways has already issued a notification for terminating the service at Tiruchi junction.The stoppage of Rockfort Express in Tiruverumbur was convenient for the public to board the night train without having to travel to Tiruchi junction.After the restoration, only Mysore-Mayiladuthurai Express (16232/16231) out of 14 express trains that pass through would have a stoppage at the Tiruverumbur station.Budalur station was prioritised over Tiruverumbur station despite higher revenue generation for stoppage, and are keen on securing stoppage of Tiruchi-Chennai Egmore Cholan Express (16854/16853).

Social activist and member of the Tiruverumbur Taluk Development Committee G. Shanmugavelu said he was awaiting a reply from the Railway Ministry for the representation he has made for providing stoppages of a few more express trains at Tiruverumbur station.

Devotees bound for two Shiva temples: Erumbeeswarar Temple and Thiru Nedungala Nathar Temple depend on buses.

Since more than 75,000 industrial workers from various parts of the country reside in Tiruverumbur and its surrounding localities, the Railways must consider providing stops to more express trains, Mr. Shanmugavelu said.

Denying restoration of stoppage of Cholan Express and two other trains Tiruchendur-Chennai Egmore (16736/16735), and Rameswaram-Chennai Egmore Express trains (16702/16701) after BG conversion was unjustified, he said.

The Tiruchi-Mayiladuthirai train could be made profitable by stopping at Tiruverumbur. Due to the occupancy factor, Tirunelveli-Mayiladuthurai passenger train was not useful.

Also, providing a stoppage to Ernakulam - Karaikal Express (16866/ 16865) would serve the interests of several thousands of employees of BHEL, Ordnance Factory, Heavy Alloy Penetrator Project, and to office-goers and students in the morning hours, he said.