'Ernakulam, Kannur, Palakkad....' ; Namo Bharat Rapid Rail heading towards Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The end days are near for the travel woes of commuters in Kerala. According to reports, the Railway will allow Kerala the new Namo Bharat Rapid Rail or Vande Metro trains to connect cities located within 250 km. It is indicated that Vande Metro trains will be allowed to Kerala for at least five routes.

Thiruvananthapuram – Ernakulam, Ernakulam - Kannur, Kozhikode - Coimbatore, Kannur - Palakkad, Kollam - Tirunelveli routes are likely to be sanctioned in the first phase. Vande Metro services are also planned for Guruvayur as a pilgrimage destination. Kollam-Guruvayur and Kasaragod-Guruvayur routes are also under consideration. Another route being considered is the Alappuzha-Coimbatore route.

The new move from the railway is aimed at boosting tourism within the southern state. The first train in this series started running on September 17 on the Bhuj-Ahmedabad route in Gujarat. It is indicated that Vande Metro trains will start running in Kerala by the start of next year.