Coimbatore: The Union Railway Budget 2010 presented by Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday came as a bundle of disappointment for Coimbatore region.

The only solace for Coimbatore is announcement of four new trains. The day time Coimbatore – Chennai Duranto Express and Coimbatore – Tirupati tri-weekly Express is welcomed. So also the announcement on operation of Mainline Electrical Multiple Units (MEMU) trains between Coimbatore and Erode.

But there is no announcement with regard to the introduction of the much awaited overnight express train on the Coimbatore – Bangalore – Coimbatore sector or extension of the existing Thiruvananthapuram – Palakkad Amrita Express up to Coimbatore.

Similarly, there is no mention for a new train service between Mettupalayam – Goa via Mangalore for providing rail connectivity between tourist destinations such as the Nilgiris and Goa.

The demand for train service between Coimbatore – Puducherry has not been conceded.

The request for daily train service from Coimbatore to New Delhi and to Kolkata has not found any mention.

On the railway infrastructure front, there is no announcement on improvements to Podanur, Coimbatore North and Peelamedu stations for decongesting Coimbatore City.

The gauge conversion of the Coimbatore – Pollachi – Udumalpet – Dindigul meter gauge section into broad gauge section is expected to get dragged on for a couple of years since the allocation is only for the Dindigul – Palani section.

Industrial bodies’ reaction:

The trade and industry here have expressed disappointment over the Budget as it has not addressed the long-pending demands of the city, especially for a train between Coimbatore and Bangalore.

President of the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association K. Ilango has said in a release, “we are disappointed that no new trains have been introduced between Coimbatore and Bangalore and additional funding has not been allocated for railway over bridges here.”

Mr. Ilango said the CODISSIA welcomed announcements regarding new train between Coimbatore and Tirupati, setting up e-ticketing centres at village panchayat level and allowing private operators to run special freight trains.

President of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Coimbatore, Mahendra Ramdas, has said in a release that the second largest city in the State was lagging behind in railway infrastructure facilities.

The Southern India Engineering Manufacturers’ Association president Jayakumar Ramdass welcomed the concession on freight rates, announcement of Duranto trains and special drive to improve passenger amenities.

Courtesy

The Hindu