What happened to Thiruvananthapuram-Kannur Jan Shatabdi Express? Outrage on social media

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thiruvananthapuram - Kannur Jan Shatabdi Express, arguably the most popular train in Kerala, started service on Thursday in its refurbished form. Trains operating via Kottayam have been converted to LHB coaches, designed to operate at higher speeds compared to ICF coaches. Their aerodynamic design reduces air resistance, allowing trains to achieve higher speeds while maintaining stability.

The old coaches were in poor condition inviting complaints from passengers requesting a necessary remodelling. Key amenities in the coach include mobile charging points, LED lights, full fans, push-back seats in AC coaches and modern toilets with bio-toilet system. The new coaches are also less prone to collisions.

Despite the introduction of new facilities, there are widespread complaints about the seat shape in the new train, which is in contrast with the older ones. It is complained that the seats are in 90-degree angle causing body pains and resulting in poor seat ergonomics.

“Indian Railways cheated people by giving MEMU seats, the officials have travelled back 50 years to bring such seats. The older seats were good enough but this is total fraud. They have prepared these seats as if Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur are neighbouring districts. This is absurd” Said one comment on social media.