The Kumbakonam All Traders Association has expressed disappointment over the absence of any announcement regarding the long-felt need for a new railway line between Needamangalam and Vriddhachalam via Kumbakonam and Jayamkondam during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram on Sunday.
The association and other organisations of Kumbakonam and nearby towns in the delta region have been demanding the new rail line, which they say, would give a fillip to economic growth to the delta region and spiritual tourism in the State.
The line could provide rail connectivity to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, where the famous Brihadeesvara Temple built by King Rajendra Chola I is situated, and other major spiritual destinations in the State, they contend.
Representations in this regard were sent to Mr. Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw by the Kumbakonam All Traders Association and Thanjavur District Railway Users Association ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit.
“The people of the region were hoping that the Prime Minister would announce the project during his visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram. But it was a huge disappointment that the Prime Minister, who spoke extensively on the history and the greatness of Cholas, did not make any announcement on the new rail line, which is much anticipated among residents in the land of Cholas,” said V. Sathyanarayanan, Secretary, Kumbakonam All Traders Association, in a statement.
The Prime Minister, he said, had apparently not been briefed about the demand. Had he been briefed about its benefits and importance, he would have announced the sanction of the new rail line, Mr. Sathyanarayanan said and urged the State BJP leaders to take up the demand with the Prime Minister.
Published – July 28, 2025 05:05 pm IST
