Union Minister of State for PMO, V Narayanasamy, told a delegation from Kerala Samajam that he had already recommended to the Railway Ministry to take steps necessary to extend the Tiruchirapalli-Mangalore weekly express train (12653/54) to Puducherry and also start a new train between Puducherry and Kanyakumari. Both the trains would run through Kerala.
The Minister said his request was under the consideration of the ministry and he was hopeful that both the proposals would come through in the railway budget. The delegation also urged Narayanasamy to increase the frequency of Puducherry-Mangalore train and start a new train between Puducherry and Ernakulum by extending the Millennium Express between Nizamuddin and Ernakulum, train no. 12645/12646, to Puducherry.
The meeting took place at Kamban Kalai Arangam. Kerala Samajam was represented by its president, Jose Batton, vice president, Dinesh Mangalatt, treasurer Jayaraj, joint secretary Prince, and committee members K K Vijayan, M P K Mohanan and C K Pavithran.