Kerala requests special train services for Onam rush hours

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has requested the Union Ministry of Railways to arrange additional special train services during the Onam festive season in September to manage the expected surge in passenger traffic. The request was made through V Abdurahiman, the minister in charge of Railways in Kerala, in a letter addressed to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

The letter sought special trains connecting major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai, with key destinations in Kerala such as Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode.

In addition to special services, the state has requested extra coaches for existing trains, especially for interstate routes, to ease overcrowding.

Highlighting specific travel hardships, the letter pointed out that trains from Kerala to Mumbai currently pass through Panvel station, causing inconvenience to passengers from Mumbai city. A direct Onam-season service from Thiruvananthapuram to Mumbai via Kottayam, along with return services, would greatly benefit travelers, the letter added.

The state also raised concerns over the heavy passenger load on the Marusagar Express, especially during Onam. The train, frequently relied upon by passengers heading to Ajmer, gets severely overcrowded during the festival. A dedicated special service has been requested to manage the increased demand.

The letter also noted that many Onam special trains often go unnoticed due to delayed announcements. It urged the Ministry to release the special train schedule well in advance to ensure better planning and public awareness.