NE NEWS BUREAU
CHENNAI, MAY 16
A growing chorus of rail passengers and commuters from Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery delta region has intensified calls for the long-pending doubling of the historic Thanjavur–Villupuram railway line, warning that continued delays could severely impact connectivity, economic activity and pilgrim travel ahead of the globally significant Mahamaham in 2028.
In a passionate appeal to Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Thanjavur District Railway Users Association (TANDRUA) urged the Railway Ministry to direct Southern Railway to immediately submit the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed 193-km track doubling project between Thanjavur and Villupuram.
- Thanjavur District Railway Users Association urges Railways to expedite DPR for Thanjavur–Villupuram track doubling
- Passenger body says crucial 193-km rail corridor remains stuck in survey stage despite 2019 approval
- Single-line congestion affecting train operations, connectivity and expansion across delta districts
- Concerns rise over handling massive passenger rush during Mahamaham in 2028
- Association seeks immediate intervention from Ashwini Vaishnaw to fast-track project approval
‘Seven Years Lost In Survey Stage’
Stuck in 'Survey Phase' for 7 Years: The Thanjavur – Viluppuram Double Railway Line Project Delay 🚂
Southern Railway must expedite the 193 km line survey (ordered in 2019) and submit the Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Railway Board immediately. pic.twitter.com/YYcci4gqRN
— People of Thanjavur (@Thanjavur_Ind) May 16, 2026
In the letter, TANDRUA Secretary A. Giri expressed disappointment that the project continues to remain in the preliminary survey phase despite receiving approval as early as 2019.
“It is highly regrettable that the project is still in the surveying stage only, though seven years have passed,” the association stated.
Rail users pointed out that the 149-year-old Thanjavur–Villupuram main line remains one of the most critical railway corridors in the region, contributing nearly 30 per cent of the ticket revenue of the Tiruchirappalli Railway Division.
Delta Region’s Rail Backbone Under Pressure
Despite severe traffic congestion and operational constraints, Southern Railway continues to run multiple long-distance trains through the busy main line to maintain direct connectivity across Tamil Nadu and beyond.
The section also serves as the primary feeder corridor for key branch routes including:
- Mayiladuthurai–Agasthiyampalli
- Mayiladuthurai–Mannargudi
- Peralam–Karaikal
- Tiruturaipoondi–Karaikudi
Passenger groups said the lack of double tracks is preventing the introduction of several much-needed trains connecting Pattukottai, Velankanni and other fast-growing regions.
Night Traffic Congestion Reaches Breaking Point
Railway users highlighted that congestion in the Thanjavur–Mayiladuthurai sector has become especially severe during night hours, forcing authorities to reroute certain special trains via Tiruvarur despite stronger passenger demand at stations along the main line.
The association warned that the single-track bottleneck is increasingly limiting operational flexibility and reducing the region’s ability to accommodate growing passenger traffic.
Mahamaham 2028 Raises Alarm Bells
With preparations already gaining pace for the next Mahamaham scheduled in 2028, rail users fear the existing infrastructure may struggle to handle the enormous influx of pilgrims expected in Kumbakonam.
TANDRUA noted that station redevelopment works are progressing rapidly at Kumbakonam to improve passenger facilities, but stressed that infrastructure upgrades alone would not be enough without parallel rail capacity expansion.
“Without multi-tracking in the Thanjavur–Mayiladuthurai section, it will be highly difficult to operate more trains during Mahamaham festival,” the association cautioned.
The body also recalled recent assurances by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw regarding major railway upgrades at key religious destinations, specifically mentioning Kumbakonam and the Mahamaham festival.
Call For Immediate Action
The association has now urged the Railway Ministry to approve the project without further delay and prioritise the Thanjavur–Mayiladuthurai doubling work in the first phase before the 2028 festival.
Rail users believe the project could dramatically improve regional mobility, reduce train delays, boost tourism and strengthen economic integration across the Cauvery delta districts.
For thousands of daily commuters, pilgrims, students and traders, the doubling project is no longer viewed merely as a railway upgrade — but as a long-awaited lifeline for the future growth of Tamil Nadu’s historic heartland.
