Date:27/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/27/stories/2008092756860100.htm

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BG train service to Tiruchendur from today

Staff Reporter

Some train services extended
Plea for link to Madurai

TIRUNELVELI: The much-awaited Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli train service on the 62 km-long newly converted broad gauge line will begin on September 27. Minister of State for Railways R. Velu will flag off the service at 11.45 a.m. at Tiruchendur. The inaugural special will reach Tirunelveli at 1.30 p.m.

Train nos. 734 and 732 that leave Tiruchendur everyday at 7.10 a.m. and 5.55 p.m. will reach Tirunelveli at 9.10 a.m. and 7.45 p.m. respectively. Train nos. 731 and 733 that leave Tirunelveli at 7 a.m. and 6.15 p.m. will reach Tiruchendur at 8.55 a.m. and 8.10 p.m. respectively.

The metre gauge line between Tirunelveli and Tiruchendur that was laid in 1923 was closed for gauge conversion work in January 2007. The new broad gauge line has 187 small and medium bridges and the entire project has been completed on an outlay of Rs. 93 crore. As per earlier plan, it should have been opened for passenger traffic in June 2007 but it got delayed due to “operational reasons.” After speed trial was conducted on August 19 by Railway Safety Commissioner K.J.S. Naidu, the Railway Ministry cleared the proposal to resume traffic on this section.

With effect from September 28, Train nos. 725 / 724 Tuticorin-Tirunelveli-Tuticorin passengers will be extended to Tiruchendur. 724 will leave Tiruchendur at 2 p.m. will arrive Tirunelveli at 4 p.m. and leave Tirunelveli at 4.20 p.m. Tuticorin-Tiruchendur train will arrive Tirunelveli at 11.15 a.m. and leave at 11.25 a.m. to reach Tiruchendur at 1.20 p.m. There is no change in the timings of train nos 725 / 724 between Tirunelveli and Tuticorin stations.

Devotees have appealed to Mr. Velu that the Tiruchendur – Tirunelveli train service may be extended to Madurai.