Rail-users in the district have expressed their displeasure over the serious delay in the execution of gauge conversion work on the Karaikudi-Aranthangi-Pattukottai section. Although the work was taken up a year ago, it has been progressing on a slow pace, affecting large number of commuters, particularly students and office-goers, said M.S.Ibrahim Babu, Secretary, District Railway Users Committee.
Reacting to the railway budget on Thursday, Mr.Babu said the Karaikudi-Pattukottai track was closed on March 14, 2012 and it was planned to convert the 149-km-long metre gauge section into broad gauge one in four years. “However, the work is showing very slow progress ,” he said.
The budget is silent about any new trains between Thanjavur and Pudukottai. L.Kailasanathan, State joint secretary, Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangankalin Peravai, welcomed the Railway Minister’s decision to not increase train fares. He has also welcomed the proposal to advance ticket reservation time to 120 days which would benefit commuters.
