R ARIVANANTHAM
KANNIYAKUMARI, APR 10
In a strong and heartfelt appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, tourism stakeholders from Kanniyakumari have sought the introduction of a daily express train connecting Kanniyakumari and Mettupalayam, aimed at ensuring seamless access to the iconic hill station of Ooty.
- Tourism stakeholders urge Centre for direct express connectivity to Nilgiris gateway
- Seamless rail link via key Tamil Nadu cities could unlock massive tourist potential
- Demand gains momentum amid rising footfall and global spotlight on Kanniyakumari
- Proposal promises economic boost, jobs and hassle-free travel for lakhs
Highlighting Kanniyakumari’s rising stature as a global tourism and pilgrimage hub, the representation notes that recent developments—such as the inauguration of India’s first sea glass bridge linking the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar Statue, along with the Prime Minister’s visit for meditation—have significantly elevated the region’s prominence.
“Kanniyakumari, the southernmost land’s end of India, is a premier tourist and pilgrimage centre,” the appeal states, underlining its strategic importance in India’s tourism landscape.
According to Tamil Nadu Tourism Department data, the district attracts over one crore visitors annually, with 1.66 crore tourists recorded in 2022–23 alone. A significant number of these travellers continue their journey to Udhagamandalam (Ooty) during peak summer months.
However, the absence of a direct rail link to Mettupalayam—the gateway to the UNESCO-recognised Nilgiri Mountain Railway—remains a major bottleneck.
“Presently, there is no direct train service from Kanniyakumari to Mettupalayam… Passengers have to change trains or rely on road transport at Coimbatore, causing inconvenience and time loss,” the memorandum highlights.
To bridge this gap, the proposal calls for a daily express train via Tirunelveli, Madurai, Dindigul, Palani, Pollachi and Coimbatore, with schedules aligned to ensure smooth connectivity with the Nilgiri Mountain Railway services.
Tourism advocates emphasise that the initiative will be a game-changer: “This new train will not only benefit lakhs of tourists but will also give a strong boost to tourism, employment, and the economy of both southern and western Tamil Nadu.”
With Kanniyakumari witnessing a surge in infrastructure and policy attention—including plans for a Special Area Development Authority—the demand for enhanced connectivity is gaining urgency.
The Kanniyakumari District Tourism Club has expressed hope that the Centre will act swiftly: “We earnestly request the introduction of this service and shall be highly grateful if the proposal is given favourable and early consideration.”
