Railway authorities will take time-bound steps to increase the number of coaches and improve the speed of trains operating on the Kollam–Sengottai route, Kollam MP N.K. Premachandran has said.

The announcement followed a high-level meeting held in Chennai in the presence of the Southern Railway general manager. An expert committee will be appointed to study ways to increase train speeds on the route.

The introduction of a Tirunelveli–Kollam train service has been prioritised to address travel difficulties faced by residents between 8.10 am and 5.30 pm on the Sengottai–Kollam route.

Railway officials will also prioritise the introduction of a MEMU service following a trial run, once the required train sets, or rakes, are made available.

Plans to develop a third track and a second terminal at Punalur railway station are also under consideration.

Vistadome tourist train proposed

Premachandran has called for the introduction of a Madurai–Kollam tourist train featuring eight Vistadome coaches, citing the approval received for Vistadome coaches and strong reservation demand.

He also sought the conversion of three special trains into regular services: the Thiruvananthapuram–Tambaram Special, Kollam–Hubballi–Kollam Special and Chennai Egmore Special. Action will be taken on these proposals, according to the report.

Railway infrastructure projects in Kollam

The multi-training institute being built at Kollam railway station is expected to be completed in 2027. Railway officials also said work on the MEMU shed could be completed by December.

At Paravur railway station, works worth ₹1.0435 crore are scheduled for completion in December. Work to raise both platforms at Eravipuram railway station is also expected to be completed by then.

The installation of tactile guidance tiles on the second platform at Perinad railway station has been completed.

At Mayyanad railway station, tender procedures for renovation, including raising the first platform, are in the final stage. Work on the approach road and circulating area is expected to be completed in December.

Approval has also been granted to extend the second platform at Kilikollur railway station.

A new building for the railway health unit in Kollam has received approval, and the tender process is expected to begin soon.