Thiruvananthapuram: A new train service between Palakkad in Kerala and Pollachi in Tamil Nadu has been approved, Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi said on Friday. The development addresses a long-standing demand for improved connectivity on the cross-border route.

The minister shared the update through a Facebook post, citing a letter from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirming the decision.

Railway ministry approves new service

In his post, Gopi said the Railway Ministry had accepted Kerala’s request for a train service on the Palakkad–Pollachi route. He thanked Vaishnaw “for sympathetically considering the matter and taking prompt action for the convenience of the passengers”.

Gopi currently serves as the Minister of State for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Tourism.

Along with his message, the minister shared a copy of a letter from Vaishnaw confirming approval of the service.

Letter confirms Palakkad–Pollachi train

The letter from the Railway minister states: “Kindly refer to our discussion regarding introduction of a new train service between Palakkad and Pollachi (Tamil Nadu) for public convenience.”

“You would be pleased to know that introduction of a new MEMU train service between Palakkad and Pollachi has been approved.”

Sharing the letter, Gopi said the development showed that interventions by the BJP for public welfare were producing results.

What the MEMU service means

The newly approved service will be operated as a Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) train.

MEMU trains are electric commuter services run by Indian Railways for short and medium-distance routes. They typically connect rural or semi-urban regions with larger towns and cities, helping ease passenger movement on busy local corridors.