Kannur: The newly announced passenger train, scheduled to run four days a week between Shoranur and Kannur, is likely to be extended to Kasaragod in an effort to curb traffic congestion. Kasaragod, located 86 km from Kannur, sees a huge number of daily commuters.

The Thiruvananthapuram Central Vande Bharat Express (20631/20632) begins journey from Mangalore. The third platform at Kasaragod station is being made available for this service. The station is also equipped with water-filling facilities.

The Nileshwar Railway Development Collective (NRDC) President, K.M. Gopalakrishnan, and Secretary, N. Sadashivan, have put forward a demand, supported by K.P. Ramakrishnan and Suresh Kandankali, General Secretary of the Malabar Rail Users Association. These representatives highlight the ongoing neglect faced by residents of Kannapuram, Pazhayangadi, Payyannur and Kasaragod. Extending this service is expected to reduce the load on the Thiruvananthapuram-Mumbai Netravati Express and the Parasuram Express to Mangalore.

The Shoranur-Kannur-Shoranur Unreserved Special Express (06031/06032) travels over 200 km and the minimum fare remains Rs. 30 whereas passenger train fares are at Rs 10. Generally, trains covering over 200 km are classified as express services. However, as the Shoranur-Kannur route is only 176 km, it falls under the special service category aimed at managing congestion.