Malayalees not happy with Kerala's third Vande Bharat train; know the reason

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Not many are cheerful despite the third Vande Bharat train starting operation in Kerala. The new train on the Bengaluru - Ernakulam route starts at 5.30 am from Bengaluru Cantonment Station, and it has not bode well with passengers. Passengers' association 'Friends on Rails' has recommended changing the timings to 6 am, which they say will help many Malayalees reach the station on time without any hassles.

Cantonment station is similar to Kochuveli in Thiruvananthapuram; situated on the outskirts. Passengers normally face an arduous task to travel across the traffic snarls and reach the station at the scheduled time.

Meanwhile, KJ Paul, president of the All Kerala Railway Passengers Association, demanded a change in the starting station which he said would be beneficial.

There are also widespread complaints about the Vande Vande Bharat not introducing a general compartment for commoners to travel. Some others are also asking for direct ticketing at the railway station, rather than the online reservation system, which is alleged to fawn the elites in society.