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Coimbatore-Rameswaram Train: An 80-Year Legacy Fights for Revival
16 Feb
Summary
- Demand grows to restore the 80-year-old Coimbatore-Rameswaram train service.
- Service discontinued in 2008 for gauge conversion, not fully restored since.
- Original route served pilgrims and transported goods, including seafood.
The revival of the Coimbatore-Rameswaram train service, a route that served passengers for approximately 80 years, is now a pressing concern. This vital service was initially established in 1928 during British rule and operated successfully for eight decades.
Its discontinuation in 2008 was to facilitate gauge conversion of adjacent railway lines. While the conversion work for the Coimbatore-Pollachi and Pollachi-Dindigul sections was completed by 2017, the full restoration of the Coimbatore-Rameswaram train has not yet materialized. Currently, only a weekly service operates via an alternate route.
Advocates emphasize the train's historical significance, noting its convenience for pilgrims traveling to Rameswaram and its role in transporting goods like seafood. They are urging authorities to reinstate the daily service via its original route, which included key towns like Pollachi and Madurai.
Despite proposals and the introduction of new services from Rameswaram, the delay in restoring this direct connection from Coimbatore remains a point of contention. The service is considered crucial for connecting southern and western districts, supporting employment in manufacturing hubs, and facilitating travel for education and work.
