Expectations soar as new railway line gets ready.

After nearly an eight-year-long wait for the completion of the Podanur - Pollachi gauge conversion, it is now time to wait for the introduction of train services in the sector.

The line was closed nine years ago for gauge conversion. Dindigal - Palani was the first section to open, then the Palani - Pollachi got opened, later the Pollachi - Palghat town line opened, and now finally the Podanur - Pollachi line is ready.

The Coimbatore-Rameshwaram night train, and the Coimbatoe-Tuticorin passenger during day along the meter gauge section were the most popular services of the railways.

These trains should be retained as inter-city expresses, say passengers.

The Coimbatore - Sengottah - Kollam night train via Pollachi and Madurai too should be re-introduced.

Many feel that the Kinathukadavu - Pollachi section which is now under the Palghat division should be brought under the Salem Division.

Extending the Tiruchendur - Palani passenger to Coimbatore will provide connectivity to Perur, and Maruthamalai in Coimbatore too.

Trains should be introduced between Mettupalayam - Pollachi via Coimbatore, and Pollachi - Erode - Salem via Coimbatore, Tiruppur.

There is also a need to introduce a night train to Kanyakumari from Mettupalayam via Coimbatore Pollachi, and Madurai; and another between Mettuppalayam and Mumbai via Coimbatore, and Mangalore.

THE HINDU