Citing the energy-shortage situation, the Podanur Rail Users’ Association in Coimbatore has urged the Railways to provide stoppages at important intermediate stations in deference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for maximum utilisation of public transport system.

At a time when the nation is facing a challenging situation due to the global tension, it has become all the more important for the Railways to strengthen connectivity, N. Subramanian, general secretary of the association, said in a representation to the Salem Railway Division.

Mr. Subramanian who is also member, Divisional Railway Users’ Consultative Committee, mooted introduction of more passenger train services connecting rural and semi-urban regions; and increasing the number of MEMU train services during morning and evening peak hours for the fuller convenience of office-goers, workers and students.

Also, the connectivity between district headquarters and industrial towns and educational hubs must be strengthened. Passenger occupancy and public demand at various stations must be studied and stoppages must be provided wherever feasible, Mr. Subramanian emphasised.

These measures will not only benefit thousands of passengers every day by reducing dependency on private vehicles, but also pave way for conserving fuel, reducing road traffic congestion, and supporting the Centre’s emphasis on increased use of public transport.

The association, accordingly, sought stoppage of the following trains at Podanur Junction: Coimbatore/ Mangalore Intercity Express, Ernakulam/ Bengaluru Intercity Express, and Ernakulam/Karaikal Express.