The Shencottai-Tirunelveli trains will be operated in the morning and evening with 16 coaches from mid-May for the benefit of people travelling to their workplaces, Lok Sabha MP C. Robert Bruce has said.

Mr. Bruce, who travelled in the crowded Tirunelveli – Shencottai train on April 23 to understand the problems encountered by passengers everyday, has said in a statement that patronage for the train on both directions was heavy. Hence, a memorandum was submitted with General Manager of Southern Railway R.N. Singh during his meeting with the MPs in Madurai on April 24. The memorandum sought an additional six coaches to the existing 10 in Shencottai – Tirunelveli train in the morning and Tirunelveli – Shencottai train in the evening.

“Thanks to our efforts, the officials have now agreed to operate the trains with 16 coaches from Shencottai in the morning and from Tirunelveli in the evening for the convenience of the public,” he said.

NEW DELHI: Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday urged the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre to form a panel of Union ministers and an expert committee to engage with states and other stakeholders on the proposed caste census.
He welcomed the Centre’s decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming general census and suggested adopting the Telangana model as a national blueprint.
Addressing the media, Reddy said Telangana’s caste survey was carried out after extensive consultations with stakeholders, coordinated by a group of state ministers, and asserted that the state is ready to share its experience and reports with the Centre.
“I have one suggestion for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central government. First, appoint a group of ministers and an expert committee comprising senior officials. This team should visit each state, consult with their governments and gather feedback. Based on that, prepare the terms of reference for the caste census,” he said.
Reddy added that one year would be sufficient to complete the nationwide caste census if executed with efficiency, based on Telangana’s experience.
He also said the Centre should hold discussions with all political parties and civil society organisations before initiating the exercise.
Quoting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who earlier cited Telangana as a role model during his Bharat Jodo Yatra, Reddy said, “Telangana’s model can be effectively implemented across states. We are not here to dominate; we welcome the Centre to learn from us and we are ready to extend full cooperation.”
He refrained from commenting on the political motives behind the Centre’s decision but emphasized that the goal should be to ensure justice and equitable benefits for SCs, STs, OBCs, and minorities.
Reddy also mentioned that the Telangana Congress staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, demanding the caste census.
Responding to a query on reservations, he said the NDA government did not have the mandate to alter the Constitution, as it failed to secure 400 seats in the Lok Sabha.
“Though the NDA was originally opposed to the caste census, they are now compelled to carry it out due to political pressure,” he claimed.
On a separate note, when asked about a proposal by a group of intellectuals advocating peace talks with Maoists, Reddy said his government is against all forms of violence — whether by the state or insurgent groups — and supports dialogue as a means to resolve conflicts.
He clarified that an official stance on the issue would be decided only after consultations with senior party leadership.