Latest news with #DivisionalRailwayUsersConsultativeCommittee
The Hindu
12-06-2025
- The Hindu
Rail users seek early introduction of passenger train on Karaikal-Peralam line
After the introduction of freight train services on the new Karaikal-Peralam broad gauge section, the rail users of the region now eagerly await the introduction of passenger trains. If the demand is met, it will mark resumption of passenger train services on the line after a gap of 40 years. The 23.5-km electrified stretch under the limits of the Tiruchi Railway Division was cleared for operation of passenger trains by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, Southern Circle, Bengaluru, late last month. Even as an official announcement is yet to come from the Southern Railway, rail users have come up with suggestions seeking extension of a couple of trains up to Karaikal and operating them on this section to different destinations. The Southern Railway could explore extension of the Tirupati-Villupuram Intercity unreserved express train up to Karaikal via Mayiladuthurai, Peralam, and Thirunallar. This would benefit travellers of Karaikal region which would get connectivity up to Tirupati, said V.R. Dhanaseelane, a member of the Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee based in Karaikal. Such a move would also benefit devotees travelling to the famous Sani Bhagwan temple at Thirunallar. Mr. Dhanaseelane, who pointed out that the train already passed through Tiruvannamalai, said the extension of the Tirupati-Villupuram Intercity Express would thus link three most popular religious towns. The railway administration could extend the Mayiladuthurai-Salem daily MEMU service up to Karaikal via Thirunallar. The train starts at Mayiladuthurai at 6 a.m. By extending it up to Karaikal, the train could be operated at 5.15 am from Karaikal to reach Mayiladuthurai. The extension would provide rail users of Karaikal region a connectivity up to Salem. It will benefit those proceeding to Kumbakonam, Tiruchi, and Karur from Karaikal and Thirunallar, Mr. Dhanaseelane said. M. Rajadurai, a consumer activist and a resident of T.R. Pattinam near Karaikal, said the rail users of the region were eagerly awaiting the resumption of train services on the Karaikal-Peralam section at the earliest. He said the railways should run from Karaikal a day train to Villupuram via Peralam and a day train to Chennai.
The Hindu
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Key demands raised at Mysuru DRUCC meeting
The Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee (DRUCC) meeting held here on Wednesday reflected growing expectations from the Railways by the public and the concerns of the rail users in equal measure. The rail users represented the entire division and the authorities said that the response was acknowledged in a positive manner by the railway administration as these inputs, would help in enhancing passenger convenience and operational efficiency. Some of the demands have been pending for years and were raised again and a strong plea was made for introduction of additional trains connecting Mysuru to Ajmer and Mumbai, citing growing passenger demand and the need for better connectivity to these important destinations. A proposal was also suggested by the rail users to reschedule the timings of Train No. 16205 (Talguppa–Mysuru Express) so that it reaches Mysuru before 9 p.m. so as to facilitate easier onward travel and better last-mile connectivity for passengers arriving in the evening. Suggestions were also made to construct adequate shelter for two-wheeler parking areas at stations to provide protection to vehicles from natural elements. The committee members drew attention to the increasing commuter population from Byadgi and wanted the authorities to provide a stoppage for important trains to cater to the railway users in the area. Girish Dharmaraj Kalagonda, Divisional Commercial Manager, said in a move that could benefit silk industry, the rail users consultative committee sought permission for loading of silk consignments from Shivamogga with arrangements made to their transportation to Ramanagara. It was reasoned that such a move could significantly benefit the silk industry and promote regional economic activity through rail-based freight services, said Mr. Dharmaraj. Members also urged for commissioning of prepaid autorickshaw systems at key stations to ensure regulated, safe, and hassle-free transportation for passengers, especially during peak hours. The Railway authorities were urged to expedite and complete the ongoing renovation works at several railway stations — both to increase functional efficiency of passenger amenities and to improve aesthetic appeal. Other demands that stemmed during the meeting pertained to prominent display of contact numbers of the Battery Operated Vehicle (BOV) operations at various stations. This would enable the specially-abled persons, the sick and elderly passengers to easily avail of these mobility services. Divisional Railway Manager Mudit Mittal assured the committee members that the issues raised in the meeting would be taken up on priority, subject to feasibility, and approval would be sought from the competent authorities. He said the Mysuru division remains committed to improving both passenger experience and operational effectiveness through active engagement with its stakeholders. Vinayak R. Nayak, Additional Divisional Railway Manager, Mysuru, and other officials were present.
The Hindu
27-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
DRUCC members seek more passenger amenities, extension of trains
The first Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee (DRUCC) meeting for the 2024–26 term held here on Tuesday mainly focused on improving the railway services, increasing the number of passenger trains, establishing new platforms, ensuring proper drinking water facilities, toilets, and other public utilities. Chaired by Sudeshna Sen, DRM and Chairman of DRUCC, the meeting, held at the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM)'s Conference Hall, Rail Vikas Bhavan, focused on a range of issues raised by the committee members. Key topics included the improvement of passenger amenities such as coach indication boards at various stations in the Guntur Division, introduction of new trains, demand for train stoppages, changes in train timings, and matters related to Road Over-Bridges (ROBs) and Road Under-Bridges (RUBs). Ms. Sen briefed the gathering on the ongoing Amrit Station development works across the division and noted that doubling and expansion work is under way in the Nandyal-Nallapadu section, with enhanced amenities planned. DRUCC member G.V. Narayana Reddy sought extension of the services of Guntur-Tirupati train up to Arunachalam for the benefit of devotees. Officials said they would discuss the matter with the Guntakal division authorities, since the stretch from Tirupati to Arunachalam falls under their jurisdiction. R.K. Narasimham wanted the Guntur-Aurangabad train to run up to Nagarsole and Shirdinagar. For this, the officials informed that they would discuss with the Nanded division authorities. Jubair Basha sought extension of the train services from Nandyal to Nagarsol to Shirdinagar. The DRUCC members have also made several other proposals. While the branch officers addressed the issues pertaining to their jurisdiction, the matters beyond divisional authority were recommended for escalation to Railway Headquarters. G.V. Narayan Reddy was elected by DRUCC members as the Zonal RUCC representative from this division. K. Simon, Additional DRM, and other officials were present.
