The Railway Task Force of Coimbatore NXT (under CII Coimbatore) wrote to Subba Rao, the General Manager of Southern Railways, requesting him to strengthen Coimbatore’s Suburban passenger rail network as it is the most practical, economical and sustainable mass-transit solution for Coimbatore, since metro rail project is unlikely to become operational in the immediate future.
Representatives of Coimbatore NXT stated that only 2 services are provided in the Coimbatore – Pollachi route resulting in 4 trips daily. If this increased to at least 6 to 8 trips per day, that will benefit commuters. The restoration/development of intermediate stations, particularly Chettipalayam and Kovilpalayam, would substantially improve accessibility and passenger patronage in Coimbatore.
Coimbatore NXT stated that the Coimbatore – Pollachi section is administered across different railway divisions resulting in no development. Bringing the entire section under one division, preferably Salem Division, would facilitate better coordination, planning and development of all the services offered by Railway.
It also requested for introduction of dedicated train services between Coimbatore and Tirupur, as there is enormous daily movement of people between these 2 major economic centres.
To support this expanded network, Coimbatore also requires a dedicated train maintenance and stabling facility.
“Land available in the Nallampalayam area near Thudiyalur may be examined for establishing a MEMU shed capable of maintaining and stabling the train set. The land bank in Kinathukadavu could also be considered for supporting infrastructure, subject to technical feasibility,” the letter mentioned.
Coimbatore NXT appealed the Railway Ministry and Southern Railway to consider this as a priority and initiate a comprehensive study and action plan for Coimbatore’s suburban rail network.
