Kottayam: On Saturday night at 9.30 pm, Palaruvi Express came to a slow halt on the new track near Parolikkal railway gate in Ettumanoor. The train headed steadfastly to Kottayam on the second track of the newly-constructed Chingavanam – Kottayam – Ettumanoor double track that is 16.7 km long, putting an end to a wait that lasted nearly two decades.

The Palakkad Junction-Tirunelveli Palaruvi Express became the first train to pass through the track. The train arrived on Platform number 2 of Kottayam Railway station by 9.45 pm. The double track from Ettumanoor to Chingavanam is now completely fit for transport.

With the completion of the of the railway station’s renovation, more trains will start their service through Kottayam.