MLA from Coimbatore South Constituency, Vanathi Srinivasan during her recent meeting with Indian Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlighted various pending railway-related proposals, and a few requests from people of Coimbatore, and appealed to the Minister to grant approval for the same, so that the people of Coimbatore could get significant benefits through the railways.

Vanathi, in her letter to the Minister said :-

Coimbatore, the third highest revenue generating railway junction in Southern Railways has just two pit lines which is inadequate. It requires the infrastructure and train connectivity to sustain the growth of this region.

The Proposal for the extension of Train No. 56801 Mayiladuthurai to Thanjavur up to Coimbatore via Palani, Pollachi, and Kinathukadavu is currently awaiting approval from the Railway Board.

Introduction of a New Train service from Erode to Rameswaram was proposed by Salem Division via Coimbatore and Pollachi which must be approved at the earliest.

The Extension of Train No. 56113 Coimbatore to Pollachi Express service up to Madurai will facilitate improved connectivity for passengers.

Tickets are always on demand for the Vande Bharat express, train number 20644, which should be increased with additional coaches to Chennai.

A New Vande Bharat service from Thiruvananthapuram to Coimbatore via Ernakulam and Palakkad will be well patronised by the passengers from both the States.

A Janshatabdi express in the Nagercoil/ Coimbatore/ Nagercoil section via Palani will encourage pilgrims travelling to Palani and Madurai.

As the population in Coimbatore is more than 35 lakh in the City and the extended area, it is time to develop three railway stations to cater to the growth.

At Coimbatore North Railway station which is located in the City centre is redeveloped under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, there is an urgent need to build additional two island platforms with short train maintenance facilities. Also Shifting of Goods shed from this station to a suitable place readily available with Railways in Irugur will be purposeful.

At Podanur junction, which is also redeveloped under ABSS, there is an inordinate delay to build pit lines and stabling lines which results in delaying the restoration/new train services.