Commuters and residents of Coimbatore demand the reinstatement of two key train services, Salem-Coimbatore MEMU and Dindigul-Coimbatore Express, which could benefit over 1.8 crore people in the Kongu region.
Coimbatore: Residents and daily commuters of the Kongu region are urging the Indian Railways to restore two critical train services that previously connected major areas in Tamil Nadu. The first, the Salem to Coimbatore MEMU, ceased operations in October 2022. It was a vital link for 1.2 crore people, halting at 22 stations over a 160 km route with four daily trips, each taking approximately four hours, running six days a week. Departure times from Salem (SA) were at 05:30 and 13:40, with arrivals in Coimbatore (CBE) at 09:00 and 18:00.
The second service, the Dindigul to Coimbatore Express, stopped in 2009 due to gauge conversion. This service was crucial for 60 lakh people, covering a distance of 167 km with stops at 12 stations. It also provided four daily trips, each lasting around 3 hours and 40 minutes, and operated every day of the week. Departures from Dindigul (DG) were scheduled at 05:30 and 14:00, with arrivals in Coimbatore (CBE) at 09:30 and 18:20.
These services are not new, but their reinstatement is crucial for the daily commute and connectivity of over 1.8 crore people in the Kongu region. The local populace emphasizes the significant benefits these trains brought to their daily lives and the broader economic impact on the region.
The second service, the Dindigul to Coimbatore Express, stopped in 2009 due to gauge conversion. This service was crucial for 60 lakh people, covering a distance of 167 km with stops at 12 stations. It also provided four daily trips, each lasting around 3 hours and 40 minutes, and operated every day of the week. Departures from Dindigul (DG) were scheduled at 05:30 and 14:00, with arrivals in Coimbatore (CBE) at 09:30 and 18:20.
These services are not new, but their reinstatement is crucial for the daily commute and connectivity of over 1.8 crore people in the Kongu region. The local populace emphasizes the significant benefits these trains brought to their daily lives and the broader economic impact on the region.