Other trains getting delayed to make way for Vande Bharat; passengers in distress

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Although Vande Bharat is a blessing for the state, there are complaints that other trains in Kerala are getting delayed with the start of two services of Vande Bharat. Other trains are held up for a long time at many places to allow Vande Bharat to pass. Because of this, thousands of passengers, including employees and students, are facing difficulties every day. It is alleged that the number of absentees is increasing as people are unable to reach the offices and educational institutions on time. Students are complaining that they have to spend half of the day on the train. At present, there are Vande Bharat trains from Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod in both directions, operating in the morning and evening.

The trains that are getting delayed are Intercity, Vanchinad Express, Jayanthi Express, Maveli Express, Malabar Express, Kanyakumari Express, Ernad Express Venad and Jan Shatabdi Express which are relied upon by regular passengers.

Road travel has become difficult due to the ongoing construction of National Highway 66. People depend on trains even for small journeys. The fare is less compared to that of the bus. As a result, there has been an increase in the revenue of Indian Railways. Trains and stations through Kerala were the biggest revenue earners for the Southern Railway in the first three months of this year. Three of the top ten revenue-generating stations and five of the top ten revenue-generating trains are in Kerala. The Vande Bharat trains operating in Kerala hold the first and second positions in terms of generating revenue. Yet, the situation may be adversely affected with other trains getting frequently delayed.

Single line in Alappuzha

There is only one rail line from Kayamkulam to Ernakulam via Alappuzha. Vande Bharat train, going from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod, will reach Alappuzha at 5:55 pm. It will leave at 5.57 p.m. Ernakulam Express, which is scheduled to leave Alappuzha at 6 p.m., is departing according to the schedule of Vande Bharat. Jan Shatabdi, travelling to Thiruvananthapuram via Alappuzha, should reach Alappuzha at 6.23. However, it is getting delayed by around 1 hour as it has to give way for Vande Bharat. Ernad and Jan Shatabdi trains via Alappuzha in the evening are also getting frequently delayed.

Will find a solution soon: Railway Authorities

The railway divisional office said that measures are being prepared to resolve the travel problems.