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Coimbatore gets 'Damp Squib' Express

The budget hasn’t offered anything new to Coimbatore which upset ICCI

Coimbatore: While expectations ran high, the railway budget like in the previous years, flagged off a “Damp Squib” Express for Coimbatore. The budget hasn’t offered anything new to Coimbatore, D. Nandakumar, president of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry(ICCI), said. “We are deeply disappointed as none of our requirements including the long pending demand for introduction of an exclusive overnight express train to Yeshwantpur from Coimbatore has not been fulfilled.”

The chamber had also made an appeal for early gauge conversion works between Coimbatore and Pollachi to help exporters send their goods through Tuticorin port by rail. “Though the rail budget proposes a multi pronged approach to make railway journey safe and comfortable for passengers, it has let down by not proposing any new trains,” Mr Nandakumar said. The ICCI, however welcomed new features like installation of CCTVs in ladies compartment, extension of WiFi facilities at B category railway stations, extension of booking of train tickets to 120 days, installation of train protection warning system and collision avoidance system on select routes, provision of '120 crore for lifts and escalators at railway station for the benefit of passengers.

The industrial bodies are also upset as the passenger and freight fares have not been slashed, despite a considerable drop in fuel prices. “Our demand to reduce the fares, in accordance with a huge dip in fuel prices has not been considered. Other demands like expansion of Coimbatore railway station, allocating adequate funds for gauge conversion works between Podanur-Pollachi and setting up a rail factory in Coimbatore to boost industrial growth has not found a place in the budget,” said S. Ravikumar, president of Coimbatore Tirupur District Micro and Cottage Entrepreneurs Association (COTMA).

Meanwhile Kovai Power Driven Pumps and Spares Manufacturers Association (KOPMA) urged the Centre to speed up all pending gauge conversion works to enhance the speed of trains. “Though Coimbatore railway station, which generates a revenue of more than Rs 200 crore, has been declared an Adarsh and A1 grade station, it is disappointing that the number of trains has not been increased in tune with the requirement,” said K Maniraj, president of KOPMA.

Increase in number of trains to Chennai and Bangalore from Coimbatore, multi level parking, better seating facilities at the junction are some of the immediate requirements. “Allocation of a meager Rs120 crore for establishing lifts and escalators across the country is insufficient. For ages, appointment of staff at unmanned railway crossing remains just an announcement. Absence of any announcements on new trains is also disappointing,” he added.

( Source : dc correspondent )
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