New parking lot, a relief to commuters in Tuticorin

A newly constructed parking lot at Tuticorin railway station for two wheelers is now open to passengers, who waited for a long time for the facility, thanks to the Southern Railway, Madurai Division. It was a big relief for the passengers, who had no other alternative to reach the station but for hiring autorickshaws at unaffordable charges.The 24-hour parking lot could accommodate motorbikes and also bicycles. More than 400 vehicles could be parked, M. Piramanayagam, Secretary, Tuticorin District Passengers' Welfare Association, said.The parking lot, which also comprises an upper floor, was constructed by the Southern Railways at a cost of Rs. 50 lakh.After parking a vehicle, R. Mathan, a commuter, said the autorickshaw fare to reach the railway station from various areas was highly expensive that common people could not afford it. But after the new facility was established, passengers wanting to travel by two-wheelers, would be relieved of the expensive fare.“To reach the railway station just from Tuticorin old bus station, the autorickshaw fare being collected from passengers is Rs. 60 to Rs.70. Since connectivity to the station by bus is limited, the autorickshaws made good bucks. But the parking fee for two wheelers is only minimal. Even parking for over a day will not cost much. Since Coimbatore link express train was introduced from Tuticorin since July 2011, passengers could go to the station by two-wheelers to board the night train, comfortably,” he said.It was unaffordable for those hiring autorickshaws from Muthaiyapuram to railway station. The auto drivers were collecting a minimum of Rs. 150, K. Paneerselvam, another passenger said.