The Divisional Railway Users’ Consultative Committee has urged Tiruchi Railway Division authorities to extend the morning Mayiladuthurai–Tiruchi Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) Express (16833) to Karaikal via Peralam and Thirunallar.

In a memorandum to the Divisional Railway Manager, Tiruchi, V.R. Dhanaseelane, a committee member from Karaikal, requested the extension as there is currently no morning train service from Karaikal to Tiruchi. The Mayiladuthurai–Tiruchi MEMU Express departs Mayiladuthurai at 7:45 a.m.

Mr Dhanaseelane suggested that the train could depart Karaikal at 6:30 a.m., passing through Mayiladuthurai, which would benefit travellers from Karaikal as well as those in en route areas including Thirunallar and Peralam.

The Southern Railway had previously operated a Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) morning service from Karaikal to Tiruchi at 6:30 a.m., but this was suspended during the COVID period and has not resumed. The suspension has caused significant inconvenience to daily commuters.

Mr Dhanaseelane further requested that trains operate via Karaikal, Thirunallar, Peralam, Mayiladuthurai, Kuthalam, Aduthurai, Kumbakonam, Papanasam, and Thanjavur to Tiruchi from October to January, coinciding with the Deepavali, Christmas, New Year, and Pongal festivals. He also suggested operating special trains between Villupuram and Karaikal during this period.

Additionally, he urged authorities to construct flyovers at three level-crossing gates in Karaikal at the earliest to ease traffic congestion.