New rail boost for Kerala: Southern Railway regularises 4 special trains, extends 1 express service

Chennai: In a major move to enhance public transport in Kerala, Southern Railway has announced the permanent regularisation of four fully unreserved special trains and the extension of a vital express service. Approved by the Railway Board, these changes will provide stable, daily connectivity for thousands of commuters across the state starting March 2026.

Regularisation of Thiruvananthapuram North – Mangaluru Jn Antyodaya Weekly Express

The popular Antyodaya Express, known for providing modern amenities at affordable unreserved fares, is now a permanent weekly service.

Train No. 16313 (Thiruvananthapuram North to Mangaluru Jn) has commenced regular service on March 16, 2026. It departs every Monday at 5.15 pm, reaching Mangaluru the following morning at 6.50 am.

Train No. 16314 (Mangaluru Jn to Thiruvananthapuram North) began its regular run on March 17, 2026. It departs every Tuesday at 6.00 pm, arriving in the capital at 7.15 am on Wednesday. The train features 16 General Second Class coaches and dedicated space for Divyangjan passengers.

Daily Palakkad – Kannur unreserved express now permanent

Commuters in Northern Kerala receive a major boost with Train No. 16611 (Palakkad Jn to Kannur Daily Express) becoming a permanent fixture. Starting March 16, 2026, the train departs Palakkad daily at 1.50 pm and reaches Kannur at 7.25 pm. This service provides a reliable afternoon link for passengers traveling between Shoranur, Kozhikode and Thalassery.

Important route extension of Mangaluru Central to Palakkad Jn

In a decision that directly benefits the Malabar region, Train No. 16610 (Mangaluru Central – Kozhikode Daily Express) has been extended all the way to Palakkad Jn. Starting March 16, 2026, the train will no longer terminate at Kozhikode but will continue through to Shoranur and Palakkad.

The extended schedule sees the train departing Mangaluru at 5.15 am, passing through Kozhikode at 10.10 am, and arriving at Palakkad Jn at 1.05 pm. This eliminates the need for passengers to change trains at Kozhikode for onward journeys to central Kerala.

Additional local train updates

Southern Railway is also regularising the Kannur – Kozhikode Daily Passenger (56632) starting March 17, 2026, and the Ernakulam – Kottayam unreserved services (operating except Saturdays and Sundays). These trains are crucial for the daily workforce and students moving between major urban hubs in Kerala.

Major benefits for Kerala passengers

By converting these "Special" trains into regular services, the Railways is providing a more predictable and reliable transport network. The move ensures that the most economical travel options remain available year-round, addressing the heavy demand on the North-South corridor of Kerala. These unreserved trains are expected to remarkably reduce the rush on existing long-distance express trains.

Passengers can access the full updated schedule and stoppage details via the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) or the official IRCTC website.