11 special trains approved for Sabarimala pilgrims, Chengannur to get temporary stop

Chengannur: In connection with the Sabarimala Mandala-Makaravilakku festival season, the Railways has approved an initial phase of eleven special trains via Chengannur. These trains will also have a stop at Changanassery. For the second phase, a proposal to run more special trains has been submitted by Southern Railway to the Railway Commercial Department.

The approved trains include the following routes: Thiruvananthapuram North - SMVT Bengaluru (06083/83), Moula Ali (Hyderabad) - Kollam (07141/42), Hazur Sahib Nanded - Kollam (07139/40), MGR Chennai - Kollam AC Garib Express (06119/20), MGR Chennai - Kollam (06117/18), MGR Chennai - Kollam (06113/14), Hyderabad - Kottayam - Secunderabad Special (07137/38), Kottayam – Hyderbad Special (07135/36), Kacheguda – Kottayam Special (07131/32), Kacheguda – Kottayam Special (07133/34), and MGR Chennai - Kollam (06111/12). Considering the needs of pilgrims and other passengers, a temporary stop at Chengannur Railway Station has been provided for the Thiruvananthapuram-Nizamuddin Superfast Express, from November 16 to December 20.

Kodikunnil Suresh MP stated that he had written to the railway minister and the chairman of the railway board in the review meeting held in Chengannur, requesting a stop for the Nizamuddin Superfast Express at Chengannur. Based on passenger numbers and revenue, steps will be taken to make this stop permanent after December 20. Suresh also noted that a request has been submitted to extend five special trains to Kottayam.