Direct rail link between Chennai to Theni to Bodinayakanur [to Kochi via western ghat without disturbing ecosystem].This will attract more foreign passenger to hill resort like Munnar, Thekkady, and the silent valley. Further the link between Madurai and Bodinayakanur will enable SR to operate East West train between Rameswaram-Madurai-Theni-Bodi-[Kochi, if extended]. The cash crops available at Cumbum, Thevaram, Bodinayakanur, Kudalur etc can be exported direct from Kochi. Some of the important cash crops are cardamom, coffee, pepper and silk cotton.
Another similar attraction of route will be, a direct BG rail link between Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli-[Direct link]-Tenkasi-Kollam. This is also a east west corridor. The existing route via Maniyachi is not serving the purpose. The ever expanding Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi can be benefited by linking the two cities direct via Palayamkottai-Vallanad-Pudukottai-Thoothukudi [distance 58 km]. The railway minister Lalu must heed to this request.
There has been a much heated discussion on laying broad gauge line direct from [Bodi]-Theni to Chennai via Periyakulam-Batalagundu-Dindigul. I was told that this was a project in early 1960s and even Southern Railway had acquired or initiated acquisition of land for rail line construction as early as 1970. Theni is one of the active business hubs in the western side of Tamilnadu inviting more industries to its locality. There are very important hill resort- internationally renowned - like Munnar, Kodaikanal, Thekkady which is left without direct rail link from major cities like Chennai etc. I am to invite the attention of Kerala MP's to look into that and raise their voice to bring direct link [Broad Gauge]from Chennai to Theni to Bodinayakanur to Kochi
