30-07-2025
New daily express train from Thanjavur to Velankanni via Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai and Thirunallar sought
The Thanjavur District Railway Users Association has requested the Southern Railway administration to introduce a direct train service between Thanjavur and Velankanni via Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai, Peralam, Thirunallar, Karaikal, Nagore and Nagapattinam for the benefit of devotees visiting various shrines along the route.
In a representation to the Principal Chief Operations Manager, Southern Railway, the association secretary A. Giri said Kumbakonam was the hub for devotees visiting Navagraha temples. There was a perennial flow of tourists visiting temples in and around Kumbakonam.
The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Kumbakonam) Limited was operating conducted tour buses every day from Kumbakonam covering all the nine Navagraha temples. Apart from these, many pilgrims were visiting these temples separately through regular buses.
Around 20 TNSTC and private buses were being operated to Karaikal from Kumbakonam and a host of buses were being operated to Nagapattinam. Pilgrims proceeding to Thirunallar and Velankanni were using these services to visit the respective shrines in the two towns.
Hence, the association has requested the Southern Railway to introduce a daily MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) express train between Thanjavur and Velankanni via Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai, Peralam, Thirunallar, Karaikal, Nagore and Nagapattinam. The association has suggested that the demanded train could be operated with conventional rakes until MEMU coaches were deployed.
The association thanked the Southern Railway for extending the services of Train No. 06190/06191 Tiruchi- Tambaram- Tiruchi Intercity Express up to August 31.
