Date:02/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/02/stories/2008100255340600.htm

Tamil Nadu

Operate new trains: chamber

Special Correspondent

RAMANATHAPURAM: The Ramanathapuram Chamber of Commerce has urged the Southern Railway to immediately operate new trains, including Rameswaram-Varanasi and Rameswaram-Bhuvaneswar, which were announced in the Railway budget.

A resolution to this effect was passed at a general council meeting held here recently under the chairmanship of M.A. Dhanabalan, president of the chamber.

It was an absolute necessity for operating long trains from Rameswaram to different parts of North India, as it attracted huge pilgrims. Trains should be operated to New Delhi and Mumbai.

The resolution also urged the Southern Railway to operate more daytime trains from Rameswaram to Madurai considering the huge demand from passengers.

Similarly, train service to Coimbatore, which was suspended for pending broad gauge conversion works in Pollachi region, must be operated via Manamadurai, Tiruchi and Karur. Additional carriages should be attached with the Sethu Express to clear extra rush of passengers.

Through another resolution, the chamber said considering the naturally available potential for marine-related research, the Central Government must come forward to start a maritime university in Ramanathapuram district.

Explaining the difficulties faced by the people due to frequent power cuts, the meeting demanded the State Government to restore normal power supply. The Government should set right the problem in power scenario without further delay.

Another resolution urged the State Express Transport Corporation to start an online reservation counter in Ramanathapuram, as it would facilitate the long destination bound passengers to ensure their ticket.