In a major boost to railway connectivity in Tenkasi and Virudhunagar districts, the Union Ministry of Railways has sanctioned two railway stations at Karivalamvanthanallur and Cholapuram on the Madurai–Sengottai railway line.
The two stations existed during the metre-gauge era but were removed during gauge conversion. Their restoration has remained a long-pending demand of the region.
BJP Tenkasi District President Ananthan Ayyasamy had submitted a representation on March 22, 2025, seeking restoration of both stations. Reiterating the demand, he personally met Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi on August 11, 2026, and submitted another representation urging early sanction and commissioning.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has now officially informed Ananthan that the construction of both railway stations has been sanctioned.
Welcoming the decision, Ananthan said the stations would provide direct railway access to people from over 70 villages across Sankarankovil, Sivagiri and Vasudevanallur, while improving mobility and supporting local economic development.
“This fulfils a long-standing aspiration of our people. My heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw ji for responding positively to the needs of Tenkasi and Virudhunagar districts,” Ananthan said.
He added that he would continue to follow up for the early construction and commissioning of both stations.