Representational Image | Photo: Mathrubhumi
Chennai: Disappoing a huge number of passengers, the Southern Railway has failed to grant more passenger trains to Kerala. Earlier, it was promised that more passenger train services will be started in Kerala after Diwali. But it is observed that the railway's promise to grant more passenger trains to Kerala will remain a pipe dream.
On Saturday, the Southern Railway has allotted nine passenger trains for Tamil Nadu. But none was granted for Kerala.
Passenger trains are being withheld due to the spread of Covid in Kerala, report sources close to Southern Railway.
Earlier, a monitoring committee comprising representatives of Southern Railway and the Government of Kerala was formed to start train services when the pandemic was in full swing. Then, the trains were allowed after examining the situation. But now, Southern Railway has been deciding on new services.
During the meeting chaired by Southern Railway General Manager John Thomas, it was promised that more passenger trains would be started in Kerala after Diwali and non-reserved coaches would be added to express trains. Unfortunately, the entire assurances have gone in vain.