Railways give in-principle approval for the new Kollam-bound train via Kottayam in Kerala

Commuters chase a crowded Venad Express train as it arrives at the station. (Photo File)

The Railway Ministry has given in-principle approval to introduce a new train service to Kollam via the Ernakulam-Kottayam-Chengannur route to ease the terrible evening rush hour on the Venad Express, MP Kodikunnil Suresh said.

The decision follows a meeting where the MP met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and submitted photographic and video evidence of the intense hardships faced by commuters on a daily basis.

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

Debilitating journeys

Thousands of regular commuters, including women, children and senior citizens, who return from Ernakulam to regions like Kottayam, Changanassery, Chengannur, Mavelikara, Kayamkulam and Kollam in the evening rush hour, endure grueling journeys. To provide immediate assistance, the main requirement was to introduce the new service before the departure of the Venad Express.

The authorities are now going ahead with plans to start a new passenger train leaving Ernakulam Junction at around 4 PM, just ahead of the Venad Express.

Railway officials are evaluating the options of operating the new line using MEMU or ICF stackers with the possibility of extending the line to Kollam further to Punalur. Southern Railway is currently reviewing the technical arrangements including exact timetable, rake availability and operational viability of the Punalur extension.

“The new service is expected to be launched within 10 days and will bring much-needed relief to daily commuters along the Ernakulam-Kottayam-Chengannur-Kollam corridor while significantly relieving the Venad Express,” the MP said.

Published – 06 Oct 2026 17:14 IST