Thousands of daily commuters travelling from Ernakulam towards Kottayam, Chengannur and Kollam could soon get some relief from the severe evening rush on the Venad Express, with the Railway Ministry giving in-principle approval for a new train service on the route.

Kodikunnil Suresh MP said the first service is expected to begin within 10 days. The proposed train would leave Ernakulam Junction at around 4 pm, ahead of the Venad Express, and run via Kottayam and Chengannur to Kollam.

The move comes after repeated concerns over overcrowding on the evening Venad Express, where commuters have reportedly been struggling to find even enough space to stand during the journey.

New train to leave Ernakulam before Venad Express

According to Kodikunnil Suresh, he met Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Delhi and presented photographs and videos showing the conditions faced by passengers on the Venad Express.

He told the minister that women, children and senior citizens were among the passengers forced to travel for hours amid severe crowding, with inadequate space to sit or even stand comfortably.

The issue is particularly significant for commuters returning home after work from Ernakulam towards Kottayam, Changanassery, Chengannur, Mavelikkara, Kayamkulam, Sasthamkotta and Kollam.

Suresh said his key demand was for an additional train to leave Ernakulam before the Venad Express during the evening rush.

Following the meeting, the minister's office forwarded the proposal to the Railway Board. The Board has since directed the Chief Passenger Transportation Manager (CPTM) of Southern Railway to take the necessary steps.

MEMU or ICF coaches being considered

Railway authorities are currently examining whether MEMU or ICF coaches can be used for the proposed service.

The initial plan is for the train to operate from Ernakulam to Kollam through Kottayam and Chengannur. The possibility of extending the service beyond Kollam to Punalur is also being examined.

If introduced, the additional service is expected to ease pressure on the Venad Express and provide an alternative for thousands of regular passengers travelling towards central and southern Kerala during the evening.

Suresh said the proposal has now moved from a long-standing passenger demand to the stage of practical action, following the in-principle approval from the Railway Ministry.

He added that he would continue discussions with railway authorities until the proposed service becomes operational, saying the intervention would continue until passengers get relief from the overcrowding on the Venad Express.