ALAPPUZHA: There is a slow protest brewing among people for the recurring incidents of holding passenger trains near Kumbalam, for allowing Vande Bharat to pass. Under the leadership of the 'Friends on Rail Association', passengers including women arrived at various railway stations near the coastal belt wearing a badge that said ‘Durithamee yatra’ which means 'torturous journey'.

The protest started at Alappuzha railway station at 7 am on Friday. Protests also continued at Alappuzha, Thumpoly, Kalavur, Mararikulam, Thiruvizha, Cherthala, Vayalar, Thuravur and Ezhupunna stations.

According to many, since its grand inception, Vande Bharat trains haven’t followed any punctuality in their daily journey and the whole burden is piled onto normal passengers who are travelling in other trains. Every day, passenger trains are held at various stations for 40 minutes for Vande Bharat to pass.

• Ernakulam - Kayamkulam passenger is delayed for more than 40 minutes at Kumbalam station.

• Later it will be stopped again at Thuravoor, Cherthala and Mararikulam stations.

• Women and elderly people normally reach home late due to this delay.

‘Passengers are badly affected due to trains being held at stations for more than 40 minutes. It is a daily scenario. Vande Bharat has never followed punctuality’ – Friends on Rail.