In a meeting held on 24.04.2025 between the General Manager, Southern Railway Shri R.N. Singh, and Hon'ble Members of Parliament, key development works—both completed and ongoing—pertaining to various constituencies under the Madurai Division were reviewed and appraised to the Hon'ble MPs. The meeting reflected Southern Railway’s continued commitment to improving passenger amenities and infrastructure.

The meeting was attended by the following Hon’ble Members of Parliament:

• Shri Kodikkunnil Suresh, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Mavelikkara
• Shri Vaiko, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)
• Shri S. Venkatesan, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Madurai
• Shri Manickam Tagore, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Virudhunagar
• Shri Robert Bruce, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Tirunelveli
• Dr. Rani Srikumar, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Tenkasi
• Shri Thanga Tamilselvan, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Theni
• Shri Durai Vaiko, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Tiruchchirappalli
• Shri R. Sachithanantham, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Dindigul
• Shri M. Mohamed Abdulla, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)
• Shri R. Dharmar, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)

Shri R.N. Singh, General Manager, Southern Railway, welcomed the Hon’ble MPs and provided an overview of the functioning of Southern Railway. He detailed the recent achievements and various initiatives taken to enhance passenger amenities across the zone in general and Madurai Division in particular. Shri M.S. Sharad Srivastava, Divisional Railway Manager, Madurai Division, along with Principal Heads of Departments of Southern Railway, also participated in the meeting.

The Hon’ble MPs deliberated on various issues including the introduction of new trains, provision of additional stoppages, progress on new railway line constructions, extensions of existing services, station development, doubling and electrification works, construction of Road Over Bridges/Road Under Bridges, improvement of passenger amenities, and land acquisition for railway projects at various locations. They also offered valuable suggestions for the further development of the Madurai Division and improvement of services.

Dindigul Constituency:
Significant milestones include the electrification of the Dindigul–Palani and Palani–Pollachi sections, extensive passenger amenity upgrades with lifts, FOBs, platform shelters, and parking facilities at major stations like Dindigul and Palani. Station modernisation under the Amrit Bharat scheme is progressing at Dindigul and Palani. Sectional speeds have been increased to 110 kmph in the Tiruchchirappalli–Tirunelveli and Dindigul–Palani sections. Several new trains including Vande Bharat Express trains were introduced and stoppages provided at major stations in the constituency.

Karur Constituency:
Passenger amenities such as lifts, covered parking, lighting improvements, and an OSOP stall were provided at Manaparai. FOBs, toilet blocks, and shelters were completed at various stations. A new Subway (LUS) is constructed in the Tiruchi–Dindigul section between Kolatur–Manaparai stations in lieu of a level crossing to facilitate hassle-free movement of rail and road users. Extension of express trains and stoppages at Manaparai and Vadamadurai further boosted connectivity.

Madurai Constituency:
The Madurai–Bodinayakanur section was gauge converted and fully electrified recently. Tirumangalam–Madurai doubling with electrification was also completed. Doubling works were also completed in the Madurai–Thiruparankundram section. Madurai Jn. witnessed major infrastructure additions like lifts, shelters, waiting halls, and multilevel parking. Platform extensions, coach maintenance facilities, and water coolers were added. Redevelopment of Madurai Jn. includes provision of an air concourse, terminal buildings, and skywalks. Multiple new trains were introduced and existing services have been extended up to Bodinayakanur.

Mavelikkara Constituency:
Kollam–Punalur, Punalur–Edamann, and Bagavathipuram–Edamann sections were electrified. Amenities like lifts, shelters, water coolers, catering stalls, and waiting halls were completed at Kottarakkara and Auvaneeswaram. Introduction and extension of express trains, along with improved station access and passenger seating, have enhanced travel experience in the region.

Pollachi Constituency:
Electrification of the Palani–Pollachi section has enhanced train services in the section. Udumalaipettai station saw upgrades including water cooler, parking, catering units, and improvements to the circulating area. A bi-weekly express service through Pollachi was also introduced to connect key regions.

Kollam Constituency:
Significant enhancements include provision of lifts, platform shelters, toilets, FOBs, and water supply at Punalur, Kundara, and Kilikollur stations. Catering units and waiting stalls were provided at Punalur. Work under the Amrit Bharat scheme is ongoing at Punalur.

Ramanathapuram Constituency:
The New Pamban Bridge unveiled by the Hon’ble PM recently on 6th April 2025 restored rail connectivity to Rameswaram island. Ramanathapuram and Rameswaram stations witnessed infrastructure enhancements including retiring rooms, dormitories, lifts, toilet blocks, and catering stalls. Covered parking and platform upgrades were provided at key stations along the Rameswaram–Madurai section. Introduction and extension of long-distance services further enriched connectivity. Station redevelopment of Rameswaram and upgradation of Ramanathapuram and Paramakudi stations under Amrit Bharat Scheme are in progress.

Sivaganga Constituency:
Electrification was completed on Karaikudi–Manamadurai–Virudhunagar sections. Lifts, platform shelters, benches, water coolers, and Divyangjan facilities were provided at stations like Karaikudi, Manamadurai, and Sivaganga. FOBs and speed enhancement projects complemented new train services and upgradation under the Amrit Bharat Scheme is in progress at Karaikudi.

Tirunelveli Constituency:
Electrification of Tirunelveli–Tenkasi and Tirunelveli–Tiruchendur sections, installation of lifts, platform shelters, toilets, and benches improved infrastructure at stations such as Ambasamudram, Tirunelveli, Palayamkottai, Gangaikondan, and Kallidaikurichi. Increase of sectional speed, new Vande Bharat and express trains, and platform extensions at Tirunelveli and nearby stations benefitted passengers. Amrit Bharat station work is in progress at Ambasamudram.

Theni Constituency:
Gauge conversion and electrification of the Madurai–Bodinayakanur section has enhanced rail connectivity in the region. FOBs, lifts, shelters, and waiting halls were developed at key stations. Passenger facilities including parking and catering were added. Several express trains were extended up to Bodinayakanur. Amrit Bharat station work is in progress at Sholvandan.

Tuticorin Constituency:
New line projects between Milavittan–Melamarudur were completed. Electrification, platform upgrades, FOBs, and various shelters were added. Extensive provisioning of benches, parking, catering units, and OSOP stalls were undertaken at major stations like Tuticorin, Tiruchendur, and Kovilpatti. Amrit Bharat station work is in progress at Tuticorin, Tiruchendur, and Kovilpatti.

Tiruchchirappalli Constituency:
Infrastructure at Pudukottai and nearby stations was improved with lifts, FOBs, benches, and toilets. LUS and ROBs enhanced safety, while shelters and platform raising works were executed. Station redevelopment under Amrit Bharat is progressing in Pudukottai.

Tenkasi Constituency:
Electrification of Tenkasi sections and amenities like lifts, FOBs, shelters, and toilets were completed at major stations. Speed enhancements along with new and extended train services provided enhanced connectivity. Station redevelopment works are ongoing at Tenkasi, Rajapalayam, and Srivilliputtur.

Virudhunagar Constituency:
Doubling of the Thirupparankundram–Nalli section, gauge conversion with electrification of Madurai–Bodinayakanur section, and electrification of Virudhunagar–Tenkasi & Tirumangalam–Madurai sections enhanced the rail travel experience in the region. Station enhancements included lifts, shelters, toilets, benches, and Divyangjan amenities at Sivakasi, Sattur, Kalligudi, and Tulukapatti stations. Platform raising and speed upgrades were carried out in the section/stations in Virudhunagar constituency. Several express trains were introduced/extended, and station redevelopment is ongoing under Amrit Bharat at Virudhunagar.

Southern Railway reaffirms its commitment to meeting the aspirations of passengers and elected representatives through sustained infrastructure development and operational excellence.

Source/RSB