A Call for Connection: Nagapattinam MP Urges Swift Launch of Passenger Trains on Vital Karaikal-Peralam Line

A long-awaited rail link, poised to unlock significant development for the Karaikal region, is finally nearing its operational debut. S. Ramalingam, the energetic Member of Parliament for Nagapattinam, has once again championed the cause of his constituents, pressing railway authorities for the immediate introduction of passenger train services on the newly constructed Karaikal-Peralam Broad Gauge (BG) line.

This impassioned plea underscores the profound impact this railway line will have on the daily lives of thousands.

The newly laid BG line, connecting the bustling port town of Karaikal to Peralam, is not merely a stretch of tracks; it's a lifeline. For students, daily wage earners, traders, and various professionals, this route promises a dramatic reduction in travel time and cost, offering a much-needed boost to regional connectivity.

Ramalingam highlighted that once passenger services commence, Karaikal will seamlessly link to major cities like Chennai, Tiruchi, and beyond, via Peralam, integrating the region more closely with the state's economic and social fabric.

The journey to this point has been a protracted one. The original Meter Gauge (MG) line, which served the region for decades, was dismantled back in 2011 to pave the way for its conversion to the more efficient Broad Gauge.

Construction efforts, which finally gained momentum in 2016, have now reached completion. Crucially, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) has already conducted a thorough inspection of the line, giving it the green light for operations. This means all the necessary technical and safety clearances are in place, making the delay in passenger service introduction even more perplexing for the local populace.

MP Ramalingam's advocacy for this project is not new.

He has consistently raised the issue on various platforms, including the floor of Parliament, and has directly communicated with the Union Railway Minister, urging swift action. His persistence reflects the urgent need and public anticipation for this infrastructure development.

Beyond the Karaikal-Peralam line, the MP also voiced other crucial demands aimed at enhancing rail connectivity in the region.

These include the extension of the popular Tiruchendur Express to Velankanni, a significant pilgrimage site. Furthermore, he advocated for the introduction of new direct train services connecting Karaikal to Tiruvarur and Thanjavur, as well as a dedicated line linking Karaikal, Nagapattinam, and Chennai.

These proposals collectively aim to weave a more robust and accessible rail network, fulfilling the long-standing aspirations of the people of Nagapattinam and surrounding districts.