Member of Parliament C. Robert Bruce has appealed to the General Manager of Southern Railways R. N. Singh to operate the Tirunelveli – Shimoga Express Train for three more months considering the overwhelming patronage the service enjoys now and also for the upcoming festival seasons
In a letter to the General Manager of Southern Railways, the MP, while thanking Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw and Mr. Singh for operating Train Number 06103 Tirunelveli – Shimoga Express Special Train, said this special train connecting the southern districts of Tamil Nadu and western Karnataka was effectively serving the passengers, especially the information technology professionals from Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Virudhunagar districts.
This service, which was operated with overwhelming patronage ever since it was announced, ensured hassle-free travel for the tourists as other trains connecting the southern districts of Tamil Nadu and Bengaluru are overflowing everyday.
Even as the travelling public were expecting that this special train service would be extended as it was being operated with 120% occupancy everyday, it was stopped abruptly after the end of the stipulated duration. Extension of this special train for three more months would help the travellers during the upcoming festival season, including Sabarimala season, Christmas, New Year and Pongal etc., the Minister and Mr. Singh should fulfill the expectation of the public by operating the train for three more months and for strengthening further the regional connectivity.
The MP also appealed to Mr. Ashwini Vaishnaw to operate the tri-weekly Shencottai – Tambaram Superfast Express Train everyday considering the 120% occupancy the train is enjoying now.
In a letter to the Minister, Mr. Robert Bruce said all trains connecting the southern districts of Tamil Nadu with Chennai are running with more than 100% occupancy on any given day and the situation becomes worse during festivals due to heavy demand. Since this particular train is being operated via rural and semi-urban areas of 10 districts, the service ensures better connectivity with the State capital.
Hence, train number 20683 / 20684 Shencottai – Tambaram tri-weekly service should be upgraded into a daily service, the MP said.
Published – November 08, 2025 06:43 pm IST
