Train services from Bodinayakkanur resume after 13 years

Bodinayakkanur railway station on Thursday teemed with hundreds of people who had come to see a train being operated from their station after 13 years.

Bodinayakkanur railway station on Thursday teemed with hundreds of people who had come to see a train being operated from their station after 13 years.

Many of the local residents, both young and old, took ‘selfies’ standing in front of the two trains that had inaugural run from the station on Thursday night. Train services that were running on metre gauge were discontinued in December 2010. After completion of gauge conversion work, the train services have again resumed from Bodi.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan flagged off the first express train from Bodinayakkanur to Chennai. Central He also flagged off Theni-Madurai unreserved Rxpress, which had been extended up to Bodinayakkanur.

Former Chief Minister O. Pannerselvam, Theni MP. P. Ravindhranath and Divisional Railway Manager P. Ananth were among those who were present.

“Our joy has doubled on seeing a train operated from Bodinayakkanur after more than a decade along with the first train to connect Chennai,” said Sankaranarayanan, a trader.. The train, which was running between Chennai Central and Madurai, has been extended up to Bodi.

The regular services of Train Number 20602 Bodi-Chennai Central tri-weekly express will begin with effect from June 18. It will leave Bodi at 8.30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. It will leave Theni at 8.52 p.m., Andipatti at 9.10 p.m., Usilampatti at 9.30 p.m. and reach Madurai at 10.45 p.m.

Regular service of Train No. 20601 Chennai Central-Bodi tri-weekly express will begin from June 16. It will leave Madurai at 7.15 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. It will leave Usilampatti at 8.01 a.m. Andipatti at 8.21 a.m. and Theni at 8.40 a.m. to reach Bodi at 9.35 a.m.