Train welcomed with picture of Bharathamba; new day train service on Kozhikode - Palakkad route

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP welcomed a new train with a picture of Bharathamba in front of the train. Bharathamba's picture was used during the welcoming ceremony for a newly sanctioned train at Olavakode. BJP district office bearers from Palakkad also attended the event. State General Secretary C Krishnakumar flagged off the train.

The new train service has started on the Kozhikode - Palakkad route. The service will be on a temporary basis till September 15. The continuation of the service after that will be considered.

The train that departs from Kannur in the morning and reaches Kozhikode will operate as an unreserved express to Palakkad. This will solve the complaint that there are no daytime trains between Palakkad and Kozhikode between 11.30 am and 4 pm. The train will depart from Kozhikode at 10.10 am and reach Palakkad at 1.05 pm. The return service from Palakkad at 1.50 pm will operate as a regular service to Kannur after reaching Kozhikode. The service will be on days except Saturdays. There will be stops at Ferok, Parappanangadi, Tanur, Tirur, Kuttipuram, Pattambi, Shoranur and Ottappalam. There are 18 coaches. The MEMU, which runs from Ernakulam to Shoranur in the evening, is also under consideration to be extended to Nilambur.