R ARIVANANTHAM
KUMBAKONAM, MAR 13
The arrival of the newly introduced Amrit Bharat Express at Kumbakonam Railway Station sparked celebrations among rail users and traders of the Cauvery delta on Friday, as the train strengthens long-awaited connectivity between Tamil Nadu’s delta region and Hyderabad.
The weekly express running between Nagercoil and Charlapalli, near Secunderabad, was flagged off earlier this week by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with regular commercial services commencing on Thursday.
- Historic Moment at Kumbakonam Railway Station as Passengers Welcome New Weekly Express to Charlapalli
- Long-Pending Demand of Cauvery Delta Rail Users Begins to Take Shape
- Traders, Commuters and Associations Celebrate Improved Connectivity to Hyderabad Region
- Passenger Awareness Drive, Shawl Honours and Sweet Distribution Mark the Festive Reception
Long-standing demand of delta passengers
For years, passengers from the fertile Cauvery delta have sought direct train connectivity to the Hyderabad region, especially after the completion of gauge conversion along the main line.
Earlier proposals such as extending the Tambaram–Kacheguda Express to Tiruchirappalli or rerouting the Madurai–Kacheguda Express through the main line were not approved by railway authorities.
Similarly, a proposal by South Central Railway to extend the Tambaram–Hyderabad Express to Nagercoil could not move forward due to protests along the route.
Even a weekly special train between Rameswaram and Secunderabad via Thanjavur was discontinued earlier despite strong passenger patronage.
Associations push for connectivity
Members of the Thanjavur District Railway Users Association, along with State BJP Secretary Karuppu Muruganandam, had met Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in 2024 to reiterate the need for a direct rail link between the delta districts and Hyderabad.
Following sustained representations, special trains between Kanniyakumari and Hyderabad as well as the Madurai–Kacheguda service were temporarily routed through the main line.
Recently, the Railway Board approved the permanent operation of these services, including the extension of the Kacheguda Express to Thoothukudi, with regular operations expected to begin soon.
Celebration at the station
Rail users, traders and members of passenger associations gathered at Kumbakonam Railway Station and Papanasam to welcome the new train.
Loco Inspector Issakimuthu and Loco Pilots Nataraj and Alex were honoured with shawls as a mark of appreciation for the crew operating the inaugural service.
Passengers were also given greeting cards carrying awareness messages, the train timetable and sweets as part of the welcome event.
A. Giri, Secretary of the Thanjavur District Railway Users Association, T. Saravanan, DRUCC member and Secretary of the Papanasam Train Passengers Association, and V. Sathiyanarayanan, Secretary of the Federation of Kumbakonam All Trade and Industrial Associations, were among those who participated in the celebrations.
Voices from the platform
“We have been demanding a direct rail link to Hyderabad for years. The arrival of the Amrit Bharat Express is a positive step for passengers of the delta districts,” said A. Giri of TANDRUA.
T. Saravanan added, “Improved rail connectivity will benefit students, traders and pilgrims travelling between Tamil Nadu and Telangana.”
Local trade leaders noted that better connectivity would strengthen economic and cultural ties between the Cauvery delta and the Hyderabad region.
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