In a significant move to enhance public convenience, the Indian Railways has sanctioned a new halt for the 12081/12082 Kannur-Thiruvananthapuram Central Jan Shatabdi Express at Aluva station. This decision is poised to bring substantial relief to hundreds of daily commuters, especially those traveling to the Cochin International Airport from the northern districts of Kerala.
Official Confirmation and Strategic Importance
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw communicated the approval in a letter to Minister of State George Kurian, confirming that the long-pending request for the stoppage has been officially granted. The addition of Aluva as a port of call is strategically vital due to its close proximity to the airport. Currently, passengers arriving from northern regions such as Kannur and Kozhikode are compelled to travel past the airport to Ernakulam Town station, adding unnecessary distance and expense.
Time and Cost Savings for Commuters
P Krishnakumar, a member of the Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee, highlighted the benefits: 'Commuters currently have to travel nearly 35 kilometers from Ernakulam North to reach the airport. This stop will save significant time and travel costs.' The new halt is expected to streamline travel for air passengers and residents alike.
Schedule and Formal Notification Pending
While the approval is finalized, the specific schedule is still being processed. A railway spokesperson confirmed that a formal notification will be issued shortly, detailing the date of introduction and the exact stoppage timings for both the up and down directions. The inclusion of Aluva aligns with the existing pattern of most trains halting at this station, which serves as a primary gateway to the airport, popular hill stations like Munnar, and the northern parts of the Kochi metropolitan area.
Long-Awaited Upgrade for Regional Connectivity
Saby V Bastian, a former councillor, expressed satisfaction: 'Most trains halt at Aluva, which is a primary gateway to the airport, popular hill stations like Munnar, and northern parts of the Kochi metropolitan area. We are happy that our long demand for a halt for Jan Shatabdi Express has been finally granted.' Notably, the Kozhikode-Thiruvananthapuram Jan Shatabdi Express (12075/12076) via Alappuzha already has a stop at Aluva, making this addition a logical extension of services.
This development marks a long-awaited upgrade to the region's transport connectivity, promising to ease the commute for thousands and boost accessibility to the airport and surrounding areas.
