Rails users pitch for increasing frequency of trains to Kashi from T.N.

Train travellers here have urged the Railways to approve a proposal to increase the frequency of train services between Varanasi and the central/southern parts of Tamil Nadu, in view of the rising spiritual tourist traffic to Kashi.

The Varanasi Railway Division has proposed an increase in the frequency of train services between Varanasi and Tamil Nadu, sources in the division told The Hindu.

A senior official in Varanasi Division confirmed that a proposal had been forwarded to the Railway headquarters for increasing the frequency of the Banaras-Rameswaram-Banaras (22535/22536) Weekly Express.

“Given the high demand on the section, we have proposed to the headquarters an increase in frequency of the train. We have the capacity at Varanasi to handle the additional frequency. We are hopeful that the proposal will be approved soon,” said a senior official in Varanasi Division, indicating that the train could initially be made a bi-weekly service.

A commercial survey has been done indicating the passenger traffic potential. Depending on the en route capacity and acceptance by other divisions, the frequency of the train could be increased gradually, the officer said and added that discussions had been held on the need to increase train services to South India from Varanasi.

Rail users here have long been demanding an increase in frequency of services between Tamil Nadu and Kashi. “There is heavy demand and a need for more trains to Varanasi from Tamil Nadu. The Rameswaram-Banaras Weekly Express and the Kanniyakumari-Banaras Kasi Tamil Sangamam Weekly Express trains are highly insufficient,” says A. Giri, secretary, Thanjavur District Railway Users’ Association.

Since the trains connects holy places of Hindu religion and pass through major pilgrim centres in Tamil Nadu, they have good patronage. Despite good occupancy, these trains continue to be operated as weekly services. There are not many convenient trains from Chennai too for people from the south and central Tamil Nadu, he said.

“Normally, pilgrims of Southern states start the holy Kashi Yatra from Rameswaram and reach Varanasi. After performing rituals and visiting temples in and around Kasi, they return to Rameswaram to complete the yatra. Likewise, pilgrims from North India visit Rameswaram,” Mr. Giri said.

Further, a large number of pilgrims visit the navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu. The Masi Maham festival every year and Mahamaham, celebrated once every 12 years, in Kumbakonam also attract large number of religious pilgrims from north India, he said justifying the demand for increasing train services.

Besides, both the trains run on the same days on Tiruchi-Varanasi/Varanasi-Tiruchi section and not convenient for passengers to schedule their journey for travelling up by one and return by the other.

The association had sent representations to the Prime Minister and Railway Minister about two years ago demanding that the Banaras-Rameswaram-Banaras Express be made a tri-weekly service.

With the Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to attend the valediction of the fourth edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Rameswaram soon, rail users hope the Railways would firm up its plans to increase the frequency of services on the section soon and announce it during the visit.