Thiruvananthapuram: In a major relief for rail commuters in Kerala, the Indian Railways has officially approved new stoppages for two of the state's most prominent trains: the Jan Shatabdi Express and the Vanchinad Express.

Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi has announced the development via a Facebook post, confirming that the Railway Ministry has issued orders to implement these long-standing demands from passengers.

According to the official directive, the Jan Shatabdi Express will now halt at Aluva, while the Vanchinad Express has been granted a new stop at Thiruvananthapuram Pettah.

Expressing his gratitude to the Union Ministry of Railways and Southern Railway for taking swift action to improve passenger convenience, Suresh Gopi urged commuters to make the most of these updated train services.
 

"I extend my sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Railways and Southern Railway for making this swift decision prioritising passenger convenience. I request all commuters to utilise these newly added stoppages effectively," Suresh Gopi stated in his social media update.

Official train timings and schedule details

As per the Union Minister's update, the new stoppages will come into effect from May 22, 2026. The detailed arrival and departure timings are listed below:

 

1. Jan Shatabdi Express halt at Aluva (AWY)

The Kannur - Thiruvananthapuram - Kannur Jan Shatabdi Express (Train No. 12081/12082) has been granted a temporary stoppage at Aluva station.

  • Train No. 12081 (Kannur to Thiruvananthapuram): Arrival at Aluva at 08.48 am | Departure at 08.50 am
  • Train No. 12082 (Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur): Arrival at Aluva at 07.19 pm (19.19) | Departure at 07.21 pm (19.21)

2. Vanchinad Express halt at Thiruvananthapuram Pettah

The Ernakulam - Thiruvananthapuram - Ernakulam Vanchinad Express (Train No. 16303/16304) has been granted a stoppage at Thiruvananthapuram Pettah station on an experimental basis for a period of six months.

  • Train No. 16303 (Ernakulam to Thiruvananthapuram): Arrival at Pettah at 09.30 am | Departure at 09.31 am
  • Train No. 16304 (Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam): Arrival at Pettah at 05.50 pm (17.50) | Departure at 05.51 PM (17.51)