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New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Stick to budget plan, don't divert Rs 720 crore given for TN projects: Ministry to Southern Railway
CHENNAI: A week after controversy broke out over Southern Railway General Manager RN Singh's letter to the Railway Board suggesting the surrender of Rs 720 crore funds allocated for various new railway projects in Tamil Nadu, the Ministry of Railways on Wednesday instructed the zonal railway to adhere to the original budget plans and not divert the allocated funds. An official statement from Southern Railway on Wednesday said the funds earmarked for Tamil Nadu would be utilised as per the approved budget, in line with the ministry's directive. Earlier, in his letter, the GM had proposed surrendering Rs 720 crore funds for new line projects such as Madurai-Thoothukudi (via Aruppukottai), Tiruvannamalai-Gingee, Erode-Palani, Chennai-Cuddalore, among others, citing various reasons. However, Southern Railway later clarified that the GM's letter was misinterpreted by a section of the media and assured that there would be no change in the fund allocation for the state.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Time of India
Non-veg breakfast removed from Chennai Vande Bharat trains
CHENNAI: Commuters travelling on Vande Bharat Express trains from Chennai to Nagercoil, Mysuru, Bengaluru and Tirunelveli have expressed outrage after discovering that non-vegetarian breakfast options are no longer available, despite no prior notice from Southern Railway or the catering agency. Passengers booking tickets on the IRCTC app are now greeted with a popup stating, 'Non-veg option is applicable for Lunch and Dinner only' after they enter their personal details and select food preferences. Southern Railway general manager R N Singh did not respond to queries, but other officials said it was a technical glitch in the IRCTC app and that non-veg options should be available during booking. However, commuters say the reality on board is different. David Manohar, who travelled on the Chennai-Nagercoil Vande Bharat Express on Friday, said, 'We saw the pop-up while booking but proceeded anyway. Onboard, we were served only vegetarian food. When I raised the issue with IRCTC on X, they responded saying non-veg option is unavailable only for evening tea. But the post was later deleted.' 'It's my right to choose between veg and non-veg meals. IRCTC cannot restrict that without informing passengers,' he added. IRCTC, the public sector unit responsible for catering on premium trains, has yet to issue an official clarification. The trains include meals in their fare, but passengers are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality. 'During the launch, they gave feedback forms. Now, even if we complain, there's no response,' said N Muralidharan, a frequent traveller between Chennai and Tirunelveli. 'The dal is watery, roti is too hard for elderly passengers and rice portions are too small. We're left with no satisfying meal option.' A L Selvam, another commuter on the Chennai-Tirunelveli route, said the menu leans heavily on north Indian dishes. 'The taste doesn't suit us. Many passengers just leave the food untouched.'
New Indian Express
25-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Tamil Nadu MPs raise key rail concerns in meeting with Southern Railway GM
MADURAI: A total of 11 MPs representing constituencies in the southern and central districts as well as from Kerala deliberated on various matters like the safety commission report on the Pamban bridge and the status of the Madurai-Aruppukottai-Thoothukudi railway line with Southern Railway General Manager RN Singh during a meeting convened in Madurai on Thursday. Addressing media persons, MP SU Venkatesan said the railway has started transliterating Hindi words in Tamil and English instead of a translation, which is in violation of the Official Languages Act. He demanded action against the authorities behind the move. He said he also demanded a written explanation from the railways on the safety commission report that he said mentioned "less safety for the Pamban bridge and for Vande Bharat trains". He also questioned BJP leader K Annamalai's presence in an official meeting by the railway minister ahead of the inauguration of the Pamban bridge. Virudhunagar MP Manickam Tagore wanted the railway to clarify on the status of the Madurai-Aruppukottai-Thoothukudi railway line, which he said is important for the development of the locality. The MEMU service between Madurai-Theni, Madurai-Virudhunagar, Madurai- Dindigul and a few more areas are also need of the hour, he added. MP Vaiko from the MDMK stressed for the reopening of the Karivalam Vantha Nallur station in Tirunelveli. He also stated that the MPs who took part in the meeting insisted stoppage at stations where the trains earlier stopped. They also demanded operation of new trains and in new routes. Citing the 'increasing' patronage in the Tirunelveli-Chennai route, Tirunelveli MP C Robert Bruce in the meeting with the Southern Railway GM demanded the introduction of a new daily train or one similar to the Nellai Express. He also sought extension of the Madurai - Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express up till Tirunelveli.
