RailEnquiry

The delay in finding a chief guest for the formal inauguration of the passenger train service on the newly laid Salem – Karur broad gauge sector has irked the public, who still have to depend on the bus service in spite of the tracks getting ready a year ago.The project, which was estimated at Rs. 250 crore in 1997, was completed last year at a cost of Rs. 825 crore.Though the run of freight service began on November 16, 2012 and the Commissioner of Railway Safety carried out inspection in February this year for running a passenger train service, commencement of the service remains a dream for the people.The division has asked the Railway Board to fix a chief guest for the inauguration and was said to be awaiting reply. Divisional Railway Manager Sujatha Jayaraj told The Hindu the line is ready for passenger service and the service would begin after formal inauguration. She said “efforts are being made finalise the chief guest and start the service at the earliest’.