Title - The Hindu : NATIONAL / TAMIL NADU : Intercity rattles with poor patronage

Intercity rattles with poor patronage

SYED MUTHAHAR SAQAF

The Railways has introduced a few trains and increased the frequency of a few other trains originating and passing via the central districts. All these trains, except the Tiruchi-Tiruneveli intercity express, have been enjoying good patronage from day one.

The tri-weekly Mannargudi-Tirupathi express, the Tiruchi-Tirunelveli intercity express are the new trains announced in the Railway Budget and introduced recently. The Bangalore-Salem passenger train has been extended to Nagore while the Mannargudi-Tiruchi passenger to Karaikudi. Besides, the tri-weekly Madurai-Tirupathi express was extended to Rameswaram and its frequency increased to three days a week.

All these trains have been well patronised, confirm railway sources. But the ‘not-so-encouraging’ patronage for the Tiruchi-Tirunelveli intercity express, which was introduced following persistent demands, is a little disappointment not only to the railway authorities, but also to commuters.

“More than 350 reserved seats are lying vacant in this train every day ever since it was introduced on July 14,” pointed out a senior railway official. The poor patronage is despite the suitable timings and very reasonable fare. The train leaves Tiruchi junction at 7.15 a.m., reaches Madurai at 9.35 a.m. and Tirunelveli at 1 p.m.

In the return direction, the train leaves Tirunelveli at 2.15 p.m., arrives at Madurai at 4.45 p.m. and Tiruchi at 8 p.m. The ticket fare from Tiruchi to Tirunelveli is Rs.100 in second class reserved sitting, Rs.85 in general second class and Rs.354 in AC chair car.

The ticket fare is much cheaper compared to Rs.220 in State Express Transport Corporation buses from Tiruchi to Tirunelveli.

Previously, the Railways introduced a new train in the Tiruchi-Madurai section, leaving Tiruchi in the morning and Madurai in the evening. The service was abruptly done away within 20 days of introduction.

Since then, people have been demanding the resumption of this train and its extension up to Tirunelveli.

The intercity express is also a good connection for the people of southern districts, who can not get reserved accommodation in the south-bound overnight trains. They could reach Tiruchi and travel to Madurai and Tirunelveli in the intercity express, says Louis of Dindigul, who is a regularl commuter on the intercity express.

Thanjavur District Rail Users Association has pleaded for the extension of this train to Thanjavur.

Such an initiative will enable in having good patronage in both directions, says A. Giri, vice president of the association.

Such an arrangement will provide the people of southern districts in reaching Cuddalore by catching the Mannargudi-Chennai and Karaikal-Chennai express in Thanjavur, and also the people of Cuddalore district in reaching down south, he says. If the extension is made, the empty rakes will have to be brought to Tiruchi in the night for maintenance.

The Railways to improve patronage, introduced the current reservation facility in the intercity express a few days ago.


More than 350 reserved seats are lying vacant in this train every day ever since it was introduced on July 14, points out a senior railway official