The Palakkad-Pollachi Railway Line, a historic route connecting the lush regions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, has witnessed a fascinating journey from its origins in the colonial era to modern-day rail transport. Despite its rich history and strategic importance, the line remains underutilized, raising questions about its current status and future potential.
A Brief History of the Palakkad-Pollachi Railway Line
Colonial Beginnings
The railway line was originally constructed during the British era, with operations commencing in 1919 as a meter-gauge track under the Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway. It served as a crucial link for transporting agricultural produce, timber, tea, and other goods between Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Economic and Cultural Significance
For decades, the line was vital for the people of the region:
- It enabled the movement of goods like coconuts, jaggery, rice, and spices.
- It facilitated cultural and social exchange, strengthening ties between the two states.
- It provided an affordable and reliable transportation option for locals.
Gauge Conversion: A Step Towards Modernization
In 2008, the line was closed for a major broad-gauge conversion project under Indian Railways’ Unigauge policy. The conversion aimed to modernize the route, enabling it to handle faster and heavier trains. However, the process faced numerous delays, and the line was reopened only in 2015, nearly seven years later.
Despite the broad-gauge conversion being completed, passenger services remain grossly inadequate, much to the dismay of the local population.
A Busy Route Ignored
The Palakkad – Pudunagaram – Kollengode – Muthalamada – Meenakshipuram – Pollachi route is one of the busiest corridors for road transport. Buses on this route are consistently jam-packed, reflecting the high demand for public transportation. Yet, Indian Railways has failed to capitalize on this demand by operating sufficient passenger trains.
Why Are Passenger Trains Missing?
In spite of the broad-gauge conversion being completed more than two years ago, the number of passenger trains running on this route remains woefully inadequate. This glaring gap raises several questions:
- Why are passenger trains not prioritized on a route with evident demand?
- Why is the region’s rail potential underutilized despite significant investments in upgrading the line?
The absence of passenger trains forces commuters to rely on overcrowded buses, which are neither as safe nor as economical as trains. Indian Railways must address this disparity by providing frequent and efficient passenger services.
A Call to Action: Hold Authorities Accountable
It is high time for our elected representatives—MLAs and MPs—to step up and question Indian Railways about this issue. The region deserves better connectivity and services that match the needs of its people. A robust passenger train service on this route would:
- Reduce congestion on roads.
- Provide a safer and more comfortable mode of travel.
- Boost economic activity in the region.
The question remains: Why has Indian Railways not prioritized passenger trains on this busy route?
The Need for Advocacy
The Palakkad-Pollachi Railway Line is not just a transportation link; it is a lifeline for the people of the region. Despite the successful broad-gauge conversion, its potential remains untapped. The local population, which relies heavily on public transportation, deserves better from Indian Railways.
Our representatives must take proactive steps to ensure that this route is not neglected any further. Introducing adequate passenger train services is not just a matter of convenience but a necessity for the economic and social well-being of the region.
Let’s hold our authorities accountable and demand the services we deserve. It’s time for Indian Railways to listen to the people and act accordingly.
Photograph of Old Kollengode Railway Station Kerala India.
Collection from
Ajayan Kavungal Anat
#kollengode
