KOZHIKODE: After seven long years, the first train service through the Palakkad-Pollachi broad gauge commenced on Monday. At 4.30 am, an express special train, using the rakes of Amritha Express, chugged from Palakkad town station to Pollachi and, at the same time, a passenger set out from Pollachi towards Palakkad.
According to the Railways, four pairs of trains would run along the 55-km route daily, as express special trains and passenger.
The express special train will be running using the rakes of Amritha Express thrice a day. There was no official inauguration of the service.
Meanwhile, the authorities said the Pollachi train would start from the Palakkad town station only for a few months. The non-installation of the signal system on the first platform of the Palakkad junction station is causing the hindrance. The work on this is going on.
The line is the culmination phase of gauge conversion in the Dindigul-Palani-Pollachi-Palakkad stretch. On commissioning, this section will provide an alternative link to the rail network in south Tamil Nadu.
The new broad gauge line will improve rail connectivity between north Kerala and the pilgrim centres in southern Tamil Nadu such as Rameswaram, Erwadi, Madurai and Palani. Of the 55-kilometre stretch, 22 kilomtres are in Tamil Nadu.
The metre gauge line between Pollachi and Palakkad was closed down in 2008 with an assurance that it would be reopened in 16 months as a broad gauge.
Download the all new Deccan Chronicle app for Android and iOS to stay up-to-date with latest headlines and news stories in politics, entertainment, sports, technology, business and much more from India and around the world.
