Tirur: The modernisation of the Chennai West Coast Express, with all coaches converted to LHB, has triggered a crisis for betel leaf exporters from Tirur after the parcel van was withdrawn.

Earlier, the parcel van could carry up to 18 tonnes, and an additional eight tonnes could be loaded in the two SLRs at the front and rear. At present, only an SLR facility with a capacity of six tonnes is available, resulting in the loss of capacity for around 20 tonnes. The parcel van used for transporting betel leaves was discontinued from February 1.

For decades, betel leaf farmers in Malappuram district have been sending consignments from Tirur railway station on the Chennai West Coast Express. The train reaches Tirur at around 3.45 am. Tirur is a major betel leaf production and export hub in Kerala, and the movement of betel leaves from the region via the West Coast route to Chennai—and from there to destinations including Delhi—has been a regular practice for decades.

Between 700 and 1,000 bundles of betel leaves are dispatched daily from Tirur, earning the Railways revenue running into lakhs of rupees. Earlier, Tirur betel leaves were exported beyond the border, even to Pakistan. The produce continues to enjoy strong demand in Delhi.

The parcel van earlier had two doors, making loading easier. The brake van now in use has only one door, making it difficult to load betel leaf bundles within the limited halt time.