Nilambur: After years of anticipation, the first electric train ran on the Nilambur–Shoranur railway line in Kerala on Tuesday.

The Kottayam–Nilambur passenger train, which arrived in Nilambur at 11:30 a.m., became the first electric locomotive to operate on the line. The electrification of the route was completed a few months ago, followed by successful trial runs.

The inaugural electric train service is part of preparations for a new railway timetable. Earlier on Tuesday morning, the Kochuveli - Nilambur Road Rajya Rani Express operated with a diesel engine, while the Kottayam–Nilambur train later showcased the new electric locomotive.

The historic moment was celebrated by railway enthusiasts and members of the Nilambur–Mysore Railway Action Committee.

In the coming days, other trains on this route are expected to transition to electric engines. The Palakkad Railway Division has proposed introducing Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) trains on the Nilambur line. The proposal includes extending existing MEMU services, such as Ernakulam–Shoranur and Coimbatore–Shoranur, to Nilambur.

Approval from railway authorities in Chennai and New Delhi is awaited, with services expected to begin later this month. The introduction of MEMU trains would address complaints about the lack of adequate services during afternoons and evening hours.

Currently, the journey from Shoranur to Nilambur takes 1 hour and 35 minutes. With electrification, the travel time is expected to reduce by 25 minutes, completing the journey in just 1 hour and 10 minutes.