Coimbatore is set to become a stronger link in South India’s industrial and mobility corridor as the Railways announced new halts for the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express and approved a new daily train connecting Ranchi to Coimbatore. The twin initiatives, combined with a proposed airport expansion, are expected to boost regional trade, travel, and textile connectivity across Tamil Nadu and beyond.
The announcement follows a detailed discussion between senior central officials and the Railway Ministry, which has now cleared halts at Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, and Salem the four powerhouse districts driving Tamil Nadu’s textile exports. Industry observers say this move could significantly ease worker mobility and logistics costs while strengthening the industrial supply chain between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.Officials confirmed that the new stoppages will come into effect soon, bringing much-needed rail access to regions that together account for more than half of India’s knitwear and textile exports. Industry leaders have welcomed the decision as a “game-changer” for small and medium enterprises, many of which rely on inter-state connectivity to move raw materials and finished goods.
Adding to this development, the Indian Railways has also approved a daily Ranchi–Coimbatore train service to support the growing population of migrant workers from Jharkhand employed in Tamil Nadu’s manufacturing units. The new service is seen as a step toward inclusive infrastructure that aligns with India’s broader goals of sustainable urbanisation and equitable mobility.Beyond rail infrastructure, the region’s air connectivity is also set for an upgrade. Senior central officials indicated that expansion plans for Coimbatore International Airport are being prioritised to match Bengaluru’s infrastructure standards. The proposed project aims to enhance passenger capacity, improve cargo handling efficiency, and reduce travel congestion, reflecting the government’s focus on integrated, multi-modal transport systems.
Experts note that this holistic approach combining rail, road, and air connectivity reflects the government’s “Viksit Bharat” vision, underlining that balanced regional growth depends equally on industrial progress and agricultural support. Industry analysts believe such transport interventions can reduce carbon emissions by shifting freight and passenger traffic to more energy-efficient rail systems.The announcements have also reignited optimism across Tamil Nadu’s industrial clusters, where improved logistics are expected to boost employment, exports, and eco-friendly economic development. The enhanced transport corridor could also help decongest Bengaluru’s traffic-heavy routes by providing faster inter-state alternatives.While the timelines for full implementation are yet to be disclosed, railway officials have assured that both the new services and airport upgrades are being fast-tracked to meet regional aspirations. The initiatives, they emphasised, are not just transport improvements but a statement of intent towards a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable India.
Coimbatore Vande Bharat to halt at four Tamil Nadu textile hubs
