7th June 2015

- NYOOOZ

Rail users seek special train to Courtallam

A merchant from Sivakasi visiting Courtallam with family said trains were the best mode of transport. "A road journey to Courtellam is cumbersome and exhaustive. Train is a safe mode of transport, especially if you are going with your family," he said.

After the southwest monsoon begins, the Courtallam falls in Tiruneveli is expected to overflow with water, attracting lakhs of tourists. Rail users from the region urged railway authorities to operate special trains in the next three months to Sengotta- 6km away from Courtallam- to clear the rush, similar to the way they operate special trains during festivals. Rail users also urged the Madurai division to extend the biweekly Silambu Express from Manamadurai to Sengotta during the season.

The season at Courtallam, which starts with fresh showers of southwest monsoon, will go on till the end of August. It is possible to get to Courtallam through National Highway 208 connecting Madurai and Kollam but the road has many curves and is considered dangerous. Three pairs of passenger trains between Madurai and Sengotta and the Podhigai Express from Chennai provide rail connectivity to the area.

S P Jeyapragasam, former member of Divisional Rail Users Consultative Committee and president of Tamil Nadu Foodgrains Merchants Association Limited, said the railways could operate special trains during Courtallam season.