Nagapattinam traders shut shops demanding better train services

Trichy: Traders in Nagapattinam observed a commercial shutdown on Tuesday to protest against Southern Railway's failure to provide adequate train services and its lack of progress in improving railway infrastructure in the region. Thousands of shops, hotels, and other commercial establishments remained closed throughout the day.Traders and railway activists accused the Trichy division of consistently ignoring long-standing demands for better railway services in Nagapattinam district, despite repeated representations, petitions, meetings, and demonstrations.The traders emphasized the need to enhance train services from key stations such as Nagapattinam, Nagore, and Velankanni to various destinations, especially towards southern districts like Madurai. They pointed out that such locations attract large arrivals of passengers daily due to their significance as major religious pilgrimage centres.Activists also demanded the conversion of the railway line between Nagapattinam and Thanjavur into a double track. They also called for the extension of the Karaikal - Tambaram Kamban Express, to Egmore.The shutdown was jointly organized and led by the Indian Chamber of Commerce along with associations representing hotel owners, tea shop owners, snack shop owners, bakery owners, and other trade bodies in Nagapattinam.The traders and activists had planned a ‘rail roko' at Nagapattinam railway station to block trains heading towards Ernakulam. Upon receiving information, authorities deployed several dozen police personnel at the station to maintain security and prevent any trespass onto the tracks.On Tuesday, as the protesters marched towards the railway station, police personnel prevented the activists from entering the premises. The gathering subsequently turned into a large demonstration held near Nagapattinam station.