Irinjalakuda: The Irinjalakuda Railway Station has once again been left out of the latest Southern Railway order on new train stops in the division. The decision has come as a major disappointment, with longstanding demands for five trains to be allowed a halt at the station.

During his visit to the railway station, Union Minister Suresh Gopi had promised to restore stops for two key trains that were halted during the COVID period. However, passengers say Irinjalakuda was completely overlooked, even as many other stations were included in the new list.

The announcement had been made during the minister’s visit to the station in late May after he took office.

Passengers Association president Shaju Joseph said three of the five trains that currently bypass Irinjalakuda, the Eranad, Palaruvi and Malabar, should be granted immediate halts. He added that although the MP had directed railway officials to reinstate at least temporary stops for these trains, no action has been taken so far.