Citing the move by Railways to upgrade Mettupalayam Railway Station as a busy terminus, Podanur Train Users’ Association has emphasised the importance of doubling the railway track till Coimbatore North Railway Station at the earliest.

Welcoming the move by the Railways to operate several originating trains from Mettupalayam and extending some of the services from Coimbatore after completion of ongoing infrastructure development works, N. Subramanian, general secretary of the association, said both Coimbatore and Mettupalayam being important commercial and educational centres, a large number of students, office-employees, industrial workers and traders travel between the two destinations.

While the passenger demand on the route is steadily increasing, the single-track section limits the movement of the trains and restricts introduction of additional passenger and express services.

With the plans for development of Mettupalayam as a terminal station in place, the need for enhanced rail infrastructure has become more important than ever.

Doubling of the track will facilitate smooth and efficient train operations, increasing line capacity, reduce delays, improve punctuality and pave the way for introduction of new train services for the benefit of the travelling public, Mr. Subramanian, who is also Member, Divisional Railway Users’ Consultative Committee, said in a representation to the Divisional Railway Manager, Salem Railway Division.

The long-pending demand being genuine, the travelling public anticipate appropriate action at the earliest, Mr. Subramanian said.