Kozhikode: The time schedule of Vande Bharat Express, introduced in Kerala last year, continues to disrupt the schedules of other trains, causing inconvenience to daily commuters travelling for education and work purposes. The Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod Vande Bharat Express service, initiated in April 2023, has led to significant schedule alterations for other trains, worsening the difficulties of regular passengers.

The Venad Express's delayed arrival at Ernakulam, caused by schedule changes to accommodate the Vande Bharat Express, has led passengers to seek options like the Palaruvi Express. This shift has resulted in overcrowding on both train services. Palaruvi is also delayed through halting between Kottayam and Ernakulam. Railway tries to maintain punctuality by allocating  40-minutes to run 9 kms between Tripunithura and Ernakulam Town.  Since the Mangaluru-Eranad Express is delayed by stopping between Aluva and Vadakancherry, it often reaches Kozhikode an hour late. This has also affected the Coimbatore-Mangalore Express, which follows. Premium train Thiruvananthapuram Rajdhani Express, is also delayed as it is stopped between Thrissur and Ernakulam.

The introduction of the second Vande Bharat Express has further complicated the problem, with trains like the Kannur Executive experiencing delays of over 40 minutes, as it takes two hours to cover a 21 km stretch between Thalassery and Kannur. This disruption has become a recurring issue, affecting the punctuality of trains like the Parasuram Express and the Kozhikode Express.

Moreover, local trains operating between Ernakulam and Alappuzha, as well as the Jan Shatabdi, have also been affected by the scheduling caused by the Vande Bharat Express.

Concerns have been raised by passengers and advocacy groups, such as the Malabar Rail Passengers Forum, demanding a reassessment of the Vande Bharat Express schedule. P K C Faisal, Convenor of the forum, has emphasized the need for prompt action to alleviate the hardships faced by commuters, especially with the proposed introduction of a third Vande Bharat Express, which may further strain the existing rail infrastructure. He also added that the passengers of the night executive are also suffering.

The disruptions caused by the Vande Bharat Express have not only affected the punctuality of trains but have also impacted the daily routines and schedules of passengers.

Passenger collapse on Parasuram Express due to overcrowding and delay

A young woman, employed at the Kozhikode Beach Hospital, collapsed aboard the Mangaluru-Thiruvananthapuram Parasuram Express while feeling unwell amidst a crowded coach of passengers.

The incident occurred as the train reached Koyilandy, pushing bystanders to provide immediate first aid assistance. She sought medical attention at Beach Hospital.

The delay in the train's schedule, caused by the passage of the Vande Bharat Express, contributed to the incident. Parasuram Express was held up at the Koyilandy railway station for nearly half an hour to allow the Vande Bharat Express to pass through, leaving passengers in the overcrowded coach in discomfort.

This incident is not an isolated one, as many women commuters have found themselves in similar situations on the Parasuram Express due to similar delays caused by the Vande Bharat Express. Moreover, the lack of proper planning when the Vande Bharat Express intersects with the Parasuram route has become a common occurrence. The overcrowding and delays have made it increasingly challenging for commuters, particularly those who rely on the Parasuram Express for their daily commute from Kozhikode.