According to K. Francis George, MP from Kottayam, Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a major relief to rail commuters, has promised to consider the request to grant halts to various trains, including the newly introduced MEMU special service from Kollam, at various stations between Chingavanam and Ernakulam.
The assurance was given in a meeting where the MP directly discussed with the Railway Minister on various issues related to Railways.
While the new MEMUs have been allotted stops at all stops between Kollam and Changanassery, the exclusion of stations like Chingavanam, Kuruppanthara, Kaduthuruthy, Kanjiramattom and Chottanikkara amounts to serious discrimination, the deputy minister informed.
The MP also pointed out that the newly introduced train is currently operating with insufficient compartments, resulting in severe overcrowding. Passengers are forced to travel in extremely congested conditions, with almost no standing room. The MP also demanded that necessary steps be taken to ensure service on all days of the week.
Looking for an extension
Pointing out that the Kottayam railway station is equipped with all basic amenities and has six platforms, Mr. George also urged the Minister that new trains originating from Kottayam and services that currently terminate at Ernakulam should be extended to Kottayam.
Mr. George also demanded additional stops at stations within the constituency, including Ernakulam–Kayamkulam MEMU passenger stops at Ettumanur, Kuruppanthara, Vaikom Road and Mulanthuruthy; for Venad Express on Vaikom Road; for Vanchinad and Malabar Express trains at Ettumanur; and for Velankanni Express at Kuruppanthara.
The railway minister also assured that the remaining construction work at the second entrance of Kottayam railway station would be completed within a month and made available to the public, the MP said.
Published – 12 Feb 2026 20:59 IST