Crisis deepens as service shortage hits rail passengers from north Kerala

The crisis in rail services for passengers traveling from north Kerala has worsened due to a shortage of trains and overcrowding along the Malabar railway corridor, particularly on the Kozhikode-Kannur-Mangaluru route. Long intervals between trains, coupled with inadequate services, have made travel challenging, especially during the peak rush expected during the Onam festivities.

Despite numerous protests and demands from passenger organizations and MPs, additional services to north Kerala have yet to materialize. P. Muraleedharan, a hospital employee from Pattuvam, highlights the difficulties faced by students, elderly people, and patients who have to rely on alternative transportation due to overcrowded trains.

The demand for a new daily intercity express between Mangaluru and Coimbatore remains unaddressed, attributed to pending construction works along the route. Rail officials claim to be unaware of the ground realities and lack accessible forums for ordinary passengers to raise grievances. M.K. Raghavan, MP, points out the regional imbalance in the allocation of special trains, with Onam special services favoring passengers from southern Kerala.

Shafi Parambil, MP, has submitted a list of priorities to the Union Railway Minister, urging the inclusion of long-distance trains at specific stations. The Malabar Train Passengers Association recently protested at the railway station, alleging negligence in addressing passengers' demands. While Railway sources suggest that some pending demands may soon be considered, security considerations must be taken into account when accommodating additional train services.