Date:28/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/05/28/stories/2005052801831700.htm

Back Trade seeks early implementation of Delhi-Chennai freight corridor

Our Correspondent

Madurai , May 27

TRADE and industry circles here have called for early implementation of the New Delhi-Chennai Freight Corridor project announced by the Railway Minister, Mr Lalu Prasad.

They have also sought its further extension up to Tuticorin with the Sethusamudram project generating more container traffic in the future.

Madurai MP, Mr P. Mohan, has underlined the need, stating that the Chennai-Tuticorin route would be emerging as an industrially active sector, given the potential.

It is expected that the double-line freight corridor would enable a systematic and efficient freight movement, besides helping to add more passenger trains in the route.

The President of the Tami Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr S. Rethinavelu, has sought the intervention of the Chief Minister, Ms J. Jayalalithaa, as there is a sizeable movement of foodgrains from North to South. He has also stressed that the Union Minister of State for Railways, Mr R.Velu, should ensure that the interests of the South are taken care of.

The President of the Madurai District Tiny and Small Scale Industries Association, Mr Aravind, has observed that the proposed corridor would help speed up the movement of goods trains and operate in a systematic way.