COIMBATORE: The Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee (DRUCC) associated with the Palakkad division has demanded that railways improve the infrastructure and connectivity at Pollachi Junction railway station. DRUCC demanded direct train services from Pollachi to Chennai, other parts of Tamil Nadu, delta districts and Bengaluru.In a representation submitted to the railway administration, DRUCC member and Pollachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry vice-president MKG Anandakumar has urged railways to address several long-pending demands.He has highlighted the insufficient train service to and fro Pollachi, even though there is considerable scope for passenger movement linked to spirituality, tourism and commercial activity. According to him, there is no direct, regular train connection between Palani/Pollachi and Chennai Tambaram/Egmore. Also, there are no such services to locations across North Tamil Nadu and the Cauvery delta districts.Anandakumar highlighted the growing importance of Pollachi as a railway hub connecting western Tamil Nadu with Kerala and other parts of the state. He pointed out that passenger patronage at Pollachi railway station has increased steadily in recent years, necessitating better infrastructure and transport connectivity.He specified that the Nos 22652/22651 – Palakkad Jn – MGR Chennai Central Superfast Express is not convenient, as it departs from Pollachi Junction early in the evening (around 5pm) and runs via a circuitous route, taking an additional 2.5 hours with higher fares. Also, there is no direct train connectivity between Pollachi and Bengaluru.Anandakumar stressed that better last-mile connectivity would encourage more commuters to use rail transport. He called for the provision of adequate bus services linking various parts of Pollachi town and the surrounding areas with the railway station. He said, “The absence of convenient public transport to the station remains a major challenge for passengers, particularly senior citizens, students and daily commuters. If bus connectivity is provided to the railway station, passenger numbers are likely to increase further.”He sought the intervention of railway officials and policymakers to expedite the implementation of these proposals and address the transportation needs of the region.
