Railways – Demand Rises for Overnight Erode Kollam Train via Rajapalayam Route
Railways – A growing demand has emerged for the introduction of a new overnight train service between Erode and Kollam via Rajapalayam, with railway users and industry representatives stating that such a connection would significantly benefit workers and traders involved in the region’s expanding textile sector.
Railway Users Seek Improved Industrial Connectivity
The Rajapalayam Rail Users’ Association has formally urged authorities to launch a direct overnight train linking Erode in Tamil Nadu with Kollam in Kerala. According to the association, the service would help thousands of people employed in spinning mills, weaving centers, and textile processing units located in and around Rajapalayam.
Representatives from the association note that Rajapalayam and neighboring towns play an important role in the textile supply chain. Workers frequently travel between industrial clusters, but existing transport options rely heavily on road travel, which many believe is becoming increasingly inadequate as industrial activity grows.
Proposed Route to Connect Key Textile and Industrial Towns
The proposed train route would pass through several important commercial and industrial centres across Tamil Nadu and Kerala. These include Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Pollachi, Udumalaipettai, Palani, Oddanchathram, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Sivakasi, Srivilliputhur, Rajapalayam, Sankarankovil, Kadayanallur, Tenkasi, Sengottai, Aryankavu, Tenmalai, Punalur, Kottarakara and finally Kollam.
Stakeholders say that connecting these towns through a dedicated overnight service would create a convenient transportation corridor for workers, small traders, and business operators involved in the textile and related industries.
They also point out that after the gauge conversion works were completed in 2018, several train services resumed in the region. However, the Erode–Kollam route has not yet received a similar level of attention, leaving a significant gap in railway connectivity.
Workers Face Difficult Travel Options
At present, many labourers working in textile hubs such as Tiruppur travel long distances from southern districts and even from parts of Kerala. Workers from areas including Punalur, Kottarakara, Tenkasi, and Virudhunagar often depend on buses or multiple train changes to reach their workplaces.
Rail users say this situation creates unnecessary difficulties, especially for daily or weekly commuters. Without a direct overnight train, many workers are forced to choose costlier private buses or undertake long journeys that involve multiple transfers.
Industry representatives believe that an affordable rail connection could greatly ease travel for these workers while improving efficiency in the supply chain.
Upcoming Industrial Projects Expected to Increase Travel Demand
Hari Shankar, joint secretary of the Rajapalayam Rail Users Association, highlighted the growing importance of improved connectivity as new industrial developments take shape.
He said that the upcoming PM MITRA Park in Virudhunagar district is expected to strengthen collaboration between textile manufacturing centres such as Rajapalayam and Sivakasi and export-oriented businesses in Tiruppur.
According to him, improved railway connectivity will play a key role in supporting this industrial expansion. He also noted that introducing a direct train service could reduce traffic pressure and accident risks on the busy Madurai–Tiruppur highway, which currently carries a large number of workers and goods vehicles.
Railway Authorities Urged to Consider Long-Pending Proposal
Rail users’ associations from Tiruppur and Rajapalayam have jointly submitted a proposal seeking the introduction of a daily overnight express service between Erode and Kollam. The groups have requested the Southern Railway zone and the Railway Board to review the proposal and consider it as a priority infrastructure requirement.
Azhagiya Manavalan, secretary of the Tiruppur District Rail Users Association, stated that the workforce from southern districts forms the foundation of Tiruppur’s globally recognised textile industry.
He explained that an overnight train service would not only provide convenience but also support economic activity across multiple towns connected with textile production and trade. The proposed service, he added, could offer a safer and more affordable travel option while helping reduce congestion on major highways.
Railway users remain hopeful that the authorities will evaluate the proposal and consider introducing the service as industrial demand and workforce mobility continue to increase across the region.