India
Railway Ministry Halts Plan to Extend Kollam–Kottayam MEMU to Ernakulam
The Railway Ministry has temporarily suspended the proposal to extend the 66315/66316 Kollam–Kottayam–Kollam MEMU train to Ernakulam. The decision follows strong protests from daily commuters and passengers’ associations. Kodikunnil Suresh, MP, said that the railways had previously approved a proposal to introduce a new train service on the Ernakulam–Kottayam–Kollam route to relieve severe overcrowding and travel hardship on the Venad Express. Instead of launching a new service as requested, officials opted to extend the existing Kollam–Kottayam MEMU to Ernakulam. The MP alleged that this move was influenced by political intervention from the BJP. The MEMU service is vital for hundreds of daily commuters at key stations such as Kollam, Sasthamkotta, Karunagappally, Kayamkulam, Chengannur, Tiruvalla, Changanassery, and Kottayam. Its current schedule provides essential relief, especially for evening commuters traveling from Kottayam to Kollam and intermediate stops. Passengers expressed deep concern that extending the route to Ernakulam would disrupt the current schedule and inconvenience regular commuters.
Frequently asked questions
Why did the Railway Ministry suspend the extension of the Kollam–Kottayam MEMU to Ernakulam?
The ministry suspended the extension following strong protests from daily commuters and passengers’ associations, who feared the change would disrupt the current schedule and inconvenience regular commuters.
What was the original proposal for the Ernakulam–Kottayam–Kollam route?
The railways had previously approved a proposal to introduce a new train service on the Ernakulam–Kottayam–Kollam route to relieve severe overcrowding and travel hardship on the Venad Express.
Who alleged political intervention in the decision to extend the MEMU to Ernakulam?
MP Kodikunnil Suresh alleged that the move was influenced by political intervention from the BJP.