With Onam season, Malabar trains are jam-packed; Passengers seek relief

Kozhikode: With the arrival of the Onam season, trains in Malabar are witnessing heavy rush. Most trains are running packed that there is barely space to stand. The highest crowd is in the Maveli, Malabar and Chennai Mail trains. A look at the morning Maveli and Malabar Express to Mangaluru shows the true picture of the travel woes in Malabar. The return journeys of these trains are equally crowded.

The Kurla Express is another busy train. For Bengaluru passengers, the Kannur–Yesvantpur Express is the only dependable option, and is too packed. Due to the heavy rush, many are now choosing buses to travel from Bengaluru to Kozhikode, despite the fare being more than three times that of the train. Still, students and others depend on buses. Some officials and others travel by sharing taxis.

Trains between 5 pm and 6 pm are extremely overcrowded, with platforms themselves packed with people. In many trains, passengers are seen hanging at the doors.

By the time of Onam, the rush will increase further. Thursday’s unusual rush was due to Independence Day and Saturday–Sunday holidays falling close together. With highway construction underway, more people are depending on trains. Although two special trains have been sanctioned, they are of little benefit to passengers from Chennai and Bengaluru.

Possible solutions

The options are to add more coaches to existing trains or introduce new ones. Starting MEMU services would also bring relief to Malabar. Of the 16 MEMU trains operating in Kerala, only one is for Malabar. Extending trains that remain idle for long at Mangaluru and Shoranur to Kannur or Kozhikode would help passengers.

Don’t make passengers suffer

Railways should not trouble passengers like this. This is a recurring problem every Onam season. Neglect of Malabar by the Railways has been going on for years. Even when feasibility studies find the timings suitable, the Railway Board does not sanction new trains. Despite repeated demands from public representatives and organisations, the matter remains ignored.

— C.E. Chackunni, Working Chairman, Confederation of All India Rail Users Association

Extra coaches in Malabar and Maveli

Crowding in trains during festivals is common. One coach each has been added to the Malabar and Maveli Express. Two special trains have also been sanctioned. No further approval has been received to run more trains. — Public Relations Department, Southern Railway, Palakkad Division