Palaruvi halted at outer post for Vande Bharat, passengers stranded, protests in Ernakulam

KOCHI: There were widespread protests against the action of halting Palaruvi Express at the outer post of Mulunthuruthy Railway Station for Vande Bharat Express to pass. The passengers protested strongly at the Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The passengers have submitted a memorandum to the station master over the incident.

The Palaruvi Express was halted at Mulanthuruthy for Vande Bharat which reaches Ernakulam town at 8.25 am. The Palaruvi scheduled to leave Mulanthuruthy at 7.52 is often delayed by half an hour. College students and employees regularly rely on Palaruvi Express.

The passengers have been demanding action on the issue for the past several months. The passengers protested with black badges and posters. The passengers said that if the Palaruvi Express is halted at Tripunithura instead of Mulanthuruthy station, it would help them while going for work.

They added that the journey to Ernakulam via Kottayam is pathetic. They demanded a solution for it. Friends on Rails Secretary Lyons said that although 18 coaches have been sanctioned on the Punalur-Chengotta route, the problems of the Palaruvi Express have not been resolved.

The passengers said that there is one and a half hour gap between Palaruvi and Venad and if a MEMU or a passenger is allowed, it would be a solution to their journey.