Clear encroachments
Ramanathapuram town is a fast developing place as it is surrounded by several important pilgrim centres like Devipattinam, Sethukarai, Tiru Uthirakosamangai, Kilakarai, Tiruppullani and Erwadi. Unfortunately, almost all major roads and streets in the town are under encroachment by extension of constructions by property owners on either side; dumping of used materials; roadside eateries; two-wheeler workshops; street vendors; storage of construction materials and permanent parking sheds. It is the duty of the municipality to remove all encroachments without the slightest hesitation to ensure free flow of traffic. In narrow streets and public pathways also, there are encroachments preventing their free use. Due to artificial bottlenecks on account of encroachments, traffic is disrupted and traffic jams often occur much to the inconvenience of road users.
I appeal to the Collector and the Superintendent of Police to take remedial measures on a war footing, clear all encroachments, provide alternative sites for street vendors on Salai Street and make all roads fit for vehicular traffic.
Asmabagh Anvardeen,
Ramanathapuram
Rail projects
There is a long list of demands from people of Ramanathapuram and adjoining districts on train services. Extension of Shencottah-Madurai service to Rameswaram; conversion of Rameswaram-Tirupati Express as daily service; new rail routes from Ramanathapuram to Tuticorin, through Aruppukottai, and from Karaikudi to Kanyakumari, through Ramanathapuram, for which survey had already been completed. I request the Railway Minister to take into consideration the above pending demands and include them in the ensuing railway budget for the benefit of pilgrims and tourists visiting Rameswaram.
G. Nagasamy,
Ramanathapuram
Operate town buses
Sivakasi is an industrially fast developing town. Due to abnormal increase in bus fare, people prefer to travel by trains.
There are three trains -- Pothigai Express and two passenger trains – touching Sivakasi daily in both directions.
The bus stand is in the extreme east and the railway station in the extreme north-west of Sivakasi and the distance between the two spots in more than two km. There are no town bus facilities to the railway station and people have to use auto rickshaws only.
Hence, it is suggested that town buses be operated to Sivakasi from Srivilliputtur and Tiruthangal through the railway station, at least when trains reach the station.
Will the transport authorities look into this matter favourably and do the needful at the earliest?
G. Jayaraman,
Sengamala Nachiarpuram
