Kollam: The Thiruvananthapuram Central–Mangaluru Central Express will now halt at Mayyanad railway station, bringing long-awaited relief to daily commuters, students and residents in the region.

State BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar announced the development on social media platform X, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for approving the stoppage of Train No. 16347/16348.

“A long-standing demand of the people of Mayyanad has been fulfilled...This decision will provide immense relief to our daily commuters and students in the region. This is the #PoliticsOfPerformance, solving the problems of ordinary Malayalees and making their lives easier in every way,” Chandrasekhar wrote, calling it an example of the “#PoliticsOfPerformance” and development-focused governance under the Centre.

The new stoppage is expected to improve connectivity for passengers travelling between South and North Kerala, as well as those heading towards Karnataka.

Earlier, Chandrasekhar had also announced that the Railway Board lifted the freeze on two key rail projects in Kerala — the Angamaly–Sabarimala and Guruvayur–Tirunavaya lines — reviving proposals that had remained stalled for years.

He alleged that previous LDF and UDF governments failed to push these projects forward despite their importance. ““That era of excuses is over. Today, it is clear who truly works for Keralam and protects its interests,” he had said.

The developments are being seen as part of efforts to strengthen rail infrastructure and improve passenger convenience across the state.