Chamber for better coaches in trains to and from Tuticorin

All-India Chamber of Commerce and Industries has urged the Centre to attach coaches in a better condition to the Pearl City Express running between Tuticorin and Chennai.

Its president J.P. Joe Villavarayar said that invariably all the air-conditioned, sleeper and unreserved coaches attached to the train were old and ill maintained whereas the coaches of trains operated to nearby places from Chennai were new and neat. The authorities concerned should end this `step-motherly' attitude, considering the fact the Railway was collecting the same fare as charged for similar trains with better coaches.

The departure time of the Pearl City Express should be changed from 6.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. to benefit a larger section of the passengers.

Mr. Villavarayar urged the State Government to establish new industrial complexes around a 50-km radius from Tuticorin to meet the exponential industrial growth in the region. He said the infrastructure development of the peripheries was essential to create a conducive investment climate. Moreover, the Government should offer incentives to agro-based industries.

The SIPCOT and SIDCO industrial estates in Tuticorin should be expanded.

Steps should be taken to establish an apparel park in Tuticorin to give an impetus to the readymade garment cluster at Puthiyamputhur near here. Proper support from the government would catapult the industry to greater heights.

Source: The Hindu