I agree. I was in Tiruchirapalli-Mayiladuthurai belt during my younger days. There used to be many trains both during day and night times. There were trains reaching important stations like Thanjavur, Kumbakonam etc, both during morning and evening times, benefitting both students and office goers. Even small stations were very active. It is true about many other routes in Tamil Nadu, as well. Now, that kind of passenger service has gone. It may be due to Rlys policy in between, to take care of long distance traffice only.
Vasan