2 decades on, Tiruchy still awaits direct train to B'luru

'Though Madurai-B'luru Vande Bharat Express halts at Tiruchy, its fares are pricy'; MP Durai Vaiko has raised the issue with railway minister

- D VINCENT AROCKIARAJ @Tiruchy

FOR nearly two decades, rail passengers in Tiruchy have been pressing for a direct intercity train to Bengaluru, but the demand remains unfulfilled.

Currently, the city is connected to Bengaluru by only two trains, neither of which originates from Tiruchy.

The need, commuters say, is acute during weekends and festive seasons. Thousands of IT professionals, students, and pilgrims from Tiruchy and surrounding districts regularly commute to Bengaluru, but face ticket shortages.

A Tiruchy-origin intercity service, they argue, would ease the burden and serve the growing passenger base.