Kottayam: A new MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) or passenger service is set to be introduced between the Palaruvi and Venad Express trains on the Kottayam-Ernakulam route, aiming to ease severe congestion. Railway Divisional Manager has assured this initiative following discussions with Kottayam MP Francis George.

Currently, there is a one and a half-hour interval between the two trains, which depart at 6:50 am and 8:30 am. This long gap creates huge traffic issues. In response to these concerns, Francis George urged the introduction of the Punalur-Ernakulam MEMU service to fill the time between the two trains, to which the Railway Divisional Manager assured that steps will be taken.

In addition to the new service, more coaches have been added to the Palaruvi train. In Venad Express, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) has replaced the pantry car with an additional coach to accommodate more passengers. The full capacity of the Venad Express is now 22 coaches, adding another coach may pose challenges as it may not fit in the platform space. Meanwhile, the DRM has stated that efforts are ongoing to address this issue. 

Earlier two women fainted during rush hour on the Venad Express due to the heavy passenger load.

The All Kerala Railway Users Association welcomed the decision. Its president K.J Paul Manvettom said, “We must now work to make this train service a reality as the number of regular commuters has increased and it has been a long-standing demand from passengers.”