The Thanjavur District Railway Users Association (TANDRUA) has sought the extension of remote location waiting list (RLWL) quota facility up to Kumbakonam in the Tiruchendur-bound Chendur Express.

The RLWL facility is available from Thanjavur in the Chennai Egmore-Tiruchendur Express (20605). The tickets booked from Kumbakonam fall under pooled quota category. Bringing tickets booked from Kumbakonam under RLWL quota will benefit pilgrims who start their tour from the temple town, the association said.

Station renovation

Participating in the association annual day celebrations as chief guest, the Senior Tiruchi Divisional Commercial Manager V. Jeyanthi said the project report for redevelopment of Kumbakonam Railway Station at an estimated cost of ₹98.8 crore had been approved and the work would commence soon.

Request for early conversion of existing single track between Villupuram and Thanjavur was being pursued by the Tiruchi Division with the Southern Railway headquarters, she said.

Delivering the special address, Rajapalayam Railway Users Forum functionary Sugantham Ramakrishnan requested the Southern Railway authorities to increase the coaches in the Mayiladuthurai-Sengottai Express and introduce new train services to connect Rajapalayam with various important destinations in the Thanjavur district.

While, S. Ramalingam, a retired Station Master, was honoured as part of the annual day celebrations, two retired women railway employees – D. Kalavathi, commercial clerk, and M. Mariyammal, porter – were honoured at the function to mark the Women’s Day.

TANDRUA president M.M. Jameel, secretary A. Giri, and joint secretary Sridaran were present, according to a TANDRUA release.