Kottayam: Within three days of starting parcel train service, one ton of goods were transported in the state. The parcel train service is available on Thiruvananthapuram-Kozhikode route via Kottayam.

The railway service was started for emergency purposes as the train service was stopped two weeks ago. Small trains consisting of a parcel van and a guard-cum-luggage rack is conducting service. Food items, emergency medicines, household articles and two wheelers are sent via this service.

Parcels weighing minimum one kilogram can be sent in the parcel train that has maximum capacity of 30 tonnes. As this is a service during crisis, a low rate than ordinary parcel service is charged. Only Rs 200 is charged to send goods weighing 100 kilogram from Thiruvananthapuram to Kozhikode.

The train starts from Thiruvananthapuram at 8 am and reaches Kozhikode by 6 pm passing through Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam Town, Aluva, Thrissur, Shoranur and Tirur. While returning, the train starts from Kozhikode at 8 am and reaches Thiruvananthapuram by 6 pm.

The parcel office in the station starts functioning one and a half hour before the parcel train begins service. All precautions are taken in view of the coronavirus outbreak. As the lockdown is extended, the service will continue till April 25.

133 parcel special train services started on 68 routes in the country. Under Southern Railway, a parcel service is available on Chennai-Nagarcoil route via Tirunelveli. Most number of services a day is conducted on Coimbatore-Chennai route. It conducts 12 services a day.

In addition to the goods already allowed in parcel train service, milk, dairy products, medicines, masks, sanitizer, oil, eggs, fruits and vegetables also can be sent now.