KOTTAYAM: Indian Railways allowed a new stop for the Kollam-Ernakulam MEMU train, often running with packed passengers. The train was allowed stop at Cheriyanad station. Earlier, there were demands to allow more stops after the MEMU service was extended to another six months.
The period of MEMU has been extended considering the congestion in trains like Palaruvi Express and Venad Express. MP Kodikunnil Suresh said the new stop was a Christmas-New Year gift for natives in Cheriyanad. Earlier, MP Kodikunil Suresh submitted a petition to the Railway Board Chairman, Chief Passenger Traffic Manager and Central Railway Minister to allow MEMU stop at Cheriyanad.
Railway has informed that 06169/70 number Kollam - Ernakulam MEMU Special train will stop at Cheriyanad from December 23rd. Cheriyanad station was the only one where MEMU did not have a stop in the Mavelikara constituency. The station is between Mavelikara and Chengannur.
Another request to allow MEMU stops at Chingavanam and Kanjiramattom stations has been forwarded to the railways. The MEMU special train was sanctioned considering the rush from Kollam to Ernakulam via Kottayam.