Thu Mar 27 13:45:57 UTC 2025: ## BJP Seeks New Train Services and Route Changes for Tenkasi District
**New Delhi, March 27, 2025** – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has urged Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to introduce new train services and reroute existing ones to better serve Tenkasi district in Tamil Nadu. In a memorandum submitted by Tenkasi district BJP president Ananthan Ayyasamy, the party highlighted the significant economic benefits such changes would bring to the region.
The key requests include:
* **A new Tenkasi-Bengaluru Express:** This train, running via Rajapalayam and Sivakasi, would connect Tenkasi’s growing IT sector (including firms like Zoho Corporation) with Bengaluru, and boost business in the cotton and firecracker industries of Rajapalayam and Sivakasi respectively.
* **Rerouting of existing trains:** The BJP proposes rerouting the Tirunelveli-Mettupalayam Express (06029/30) via Tenkasi and Madurai, and renaming it the Siruvani Express. Similarly, the Tirunelveli-Tambaram Express (06003/04) should be rerouted via Tenkasi and Madurai, becoming the Tamirabharani Express to Chennai Central. Both proposals cite existing lie-over rakes that could be utilized.
* **Extension of the Mumbai-Tirunelveli Chalukya Express (11021/11022):** The BJP requests extending this train to Shencottai and replacing its old coaches with LHB coaches for improved safety and comfort. This would provide Tenkasi with direct connectivity to Mumbai.
* **A new Delhi-Tenkasi Express:** The party suggests operating the Tamil Nadu Sampark Kranti Express (12651/12652) via Virudhunagar, Rajapalayam, Tenkasi, Pavoorchatram, and Ambasamudram to establish Tenkasi’s first direct rail link to the national capital.
Ayyasamy emphasized that the proposed textile park in Virudhunagar, Courtallam’s tourism, and the proximity to Sabarimala would ensure high passenger traffic throughout the year. The BJP is confident that these changes will significantly benefit the economic and tourism sectors of Tenkasi district.
First Piper 