The Railway Board has approved a new temporary stoppage for the Parasuram Express (Train Nos. 16649/16650) at Vaikom Road Station, offering greater convenience to commuters in the region.

According to a press release, the additional stop will come into effect from November 1, 2025 for Train No. 16649 Mangaluru Central–Nagercoil Express and from November 2, 2025 for Train No. 16650 Nagercoil–Mangaluru Central Express.

The timings for the new halt are as follows:

  • Train No. 16649 (Mangaluru Central–Nagercoil Express) – Arrival at 02.55 pm, departure at 02.56 pm
  • Train No. 16650 (Nagercoil–Mangaluru Central Express) – Arrival at 09.49 am, departure at 09.50 am

The additional stoppage has been introduced on an experimental basis, aimed at assessing passenger demand from Vaikom and nearby areas.

Currently, the trains halt at Piravam Road (02.48/02.49 pm) and Ettumanur (03.12/03.13 pm) in the downward direction and at Ettumanur (09.34/09.35 am) and Piravam Road (09.59/10.00 am) in the upward direction.

If the response from passengers is positive, Southern Railway may consider making the stoppage a permanent feature in future schedules.