Tamil Nadu: The Tenkasi District Railway Passengers Association has demanded that the Tambaram–Sengottai train service be made a daily service. Association President Pandiaraja has submitted a memorandum to the Union Railway Minister, requesting that the frequency of the train service be increased to daily.
Currently, train number 20683/20684 operates only three days a week between Tambaram–Sengottai, passing through major stations like Pavurchatram, Ambasamudram, and Tirunelveli. Passengers say that due to this limited service, people in the region face significant difficulties in commuting.
Given the increasing passenger traffic and revenue generated from this route, Southern Railway had previously submitted a proposal to the Railway Board to run this train daily. However, despite several months having passed, the proposal has not yet been approved, leading to dissatisfaction among local residents.
It is worth noting that the Tirunelveli–Sengottai railway line was converted to broad gauge in 2012, and train services resumed on this route. Despite this, there has been no regular daily train service to Chennai and surrounding areas for the past 14 years, leading to persistent demands.
Local residents say that the lack of a daily train service on this route has caused significant inconvenience to students, working people, government and private employees, businessmen, and ordinary citizens in Tenkasi, Ambasamudram, and surrounding areas. Many passengers are forced to resort to long-distance bus services or other alternative routes, which increases both time and expense.
The Passengers Association argues that if this train is operated daily, it will not only provide convenience to passengers but will also increase railway revenue. It will also strengthen regional connectivity, providing direct and regular access to Chennai for the people of South Tamil Nadu.
Now all eyes are on the decision of the Railway Board whether this long pending demand will be accepted and the Tambaram-Sengottai train will be converted into a daily service or not.
