and Industry, Coimbatore
Press Release
February 24, 2010: Railway Budget 2010
The Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Coimbatore is deeply disappointed that none of the demands of Coimbatore have found its way in the Union Railway Budget announced by the Hon’ble Railway Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee today, except introduction of intercity express between Coimbatore and Tirupathi via Salem (Tri-weekly) and the proposal to introduce a day time Duronto train between Chennai and Coimbatore.
Coimbatore, an Industrial hub with many engineering industries, foundries, small scale industries, textile mills, machinery spare manufacturing units, hospitals and educational institutions attracts a large number of travelers from all over the country. A major centre in the country and the second largest City in Tamil Nadu is lagging far behind in Railway infrastructure amenities. The train connectivity is at the lowest and is not able to cater to the demands of the traveling public.
The project to double the track between Coimbatore and Irugur has been pending for more than a decade. Inadequate allocation of funds for gauge conversion between Coimbatore and Dindigul has delinked Western Tamil Nadu from Southern Tamil Nadu.
Proposals for construction of rail overbridges in Eachanari at Avarampalayam, Thenneerpandal Road at Peelamedu all await administrative approvals and have not been considered. Coimbatore Railway junction requires an upgradation, and a face lift. Provision of passenger amenities, an air-conditioned waiting hall on the platforms, parking facilities, shelters in the platforms, improved amenities in the North Coimbatore Junction are also not looked into.
The long pending plea of people of this region for introduction of an over night express train between Coimbatore and Bengaluru is also not found in this budget. Our appeal for running of trains to Thiruvananthapuram and trains between Coimbatore and the Cities on the east coast of Tamil Nadu and trains to Madurai have not been considered.
No hike in passenger fares and freight rates, e-ticketing, provision of quality food at reasonable rates, introduction of double decker trains, and the announcement that the railways will not be privatized are welcome measures. The marginal reduction in cargo freight rates on food grains and kerosene, though welcome, should have been higher and more broad base.
We appeal to the Hon’ble Railway Union Minister to consider the demands of Coimbatoreans for getting their basic needs of railway amenities on priority basis. Chamber hopes that the Railway Minister will fulfill the Railway requirements of people of this Coimbatore region at least in due course.
Mahendra Ramdas
President