Railways Adds 16 New Train Stops Across Kerala, Boosting Connectivity
16 Kerala Trains Get New Stops at Smaller Stations

In a significant move to improve rail connectivity for local commuters, the Indian Railways has sanctioned additional stops for 16 trains at smaller stations across Kerala. This decision, aimed at reducing travel inconvenience, was implemented based on inputs from the public and on the recommendation of BJP's state president, Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

Enhanced Access for Local Commuters

The core objective behind this initiative is to allow residents from smaller towns and villages to board express trains from their nearest stations. Previously, many had to undertake long journeys to major railway hubs to catch these trains. This strategic addition of stops is expected to save time, reduce travel costs, and significantly improve the passenger experience for thousands of daily commuters.

Key Stations and Train Services Affected

The new stops cover a wide geographical spread, from the southern tip to the northern districts of the state. Major beneficiaries in the south include stations like Dhanuvachapuram and Balaramapuram in the Thiruvananthapuram district. In the northern region, important stops have been added at Vadakara and Kannur.

The list of express trains receiving new halts is extensive and includes several key inter-state and intra-state services:

  • The Chennai Egmore-Guruvayur Express will now halt at Ambalapuzha in Alappuzha.
  • The Nilambur Road-Kottayam Express gets stops at Tuvvur (Malappuram) and Vallapuzha (Palakkad).
  • The Madurai-Guruvayur Express will stop at Cheriyanad in Alappuzha.
  • The Thiruvananthapuram-Veravel Express adds halts at Parappanangadi (Malappuram) and Vadakara (Kozhikode).
  • The Nagercoil-Gandhidham Express will also stop at Parappanangadi.
  • The Guruvayur-Thiruvananthapuram Intercity Express gets a new stop at Ponkunnam in Kottayam.
  • The Nagercoil Junction-Kottayam Express will halt at Dhanuvachapuram.
  • The Thrissur-Kannur Express gets a stop at Kannur South.
  • The Punalur-Madurai Express will stop at Balaramapuram.
  • The Tuticorin-Palakkad Palaruvi Express adds Kilikollur in Kollam to its route.
  • Both the Thiruvananthapuram North-Bhavnagar Express and the Ernakulam-Pune Express will now stop at Vadakara.
  • The Hisar-Coimbatore Express gets a halt at Tirur in Malappuram.
  • The Chennai Central-Palakkad Express will stop at Kollengode in Palakkad.

In addition to these express trains, two Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) services have also been granted new stops. The Nilambur Road-Shoranur MEMU will halt at Tuvvur, and the Ernakulam-Kayamkulam MEMU will stop at Ettumanoor in Kottayam.

A Win for Passenger-Centric Policy

This development marks a positive step towards a more responsive and passenger-friendly railway system. By acting on direct feedback and political advocacy, the railways have demonstrated flexibility in service planning. The inclusion of stops at stations like Parappanangadi for multiple trains underscores the focus on high-demand locations. For the residents of Kerala's smaller towns, this translates to better integration with the state's and country's express rail network, fostering easier travel for work, education, and tourism without the burden of accessing distant major stations.