Railways grant in-principle approval for new Kollam-bound train via Kottayam in Keralam

The Ministry of Railways has granted in-principle approval to introduce a new train service to Kollam via the Ernakulam-Kottayam-Chengannur route, aimed at easing the severe evening rush on the Venad Express, Kodikunnil Suresh, MP, has said.

The decision follows a meeting where the MP met Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, presenting photographic and video evidence of the intense hardships faced by daily commuters.

“Following the discussion, the Minister’s office forwarded instructions to the Railway Board, which subsequently directed the Chief Passenger Transportation Manager (CPTM) of Southern Railway to initiate necessary action,” he said.

Thousands of regular commuters, including women, children, and senior citizens returning from Ernakulam to regions like Kottayam, Changanassery, Chengannur, Mavelikara, Kayamkulam, and Kollam during peak evening hours have been enduring gruelling journeys. To provide immediate relief, the core demand was to introduce a new service ahead of the Venad Express’s departure.