KOZHIKODE: It is a double whammy for train passengers in Kerala. The touted introduction of Vande Bharat trains and the ongoing developments only worsened the woes of the railway system in Kerala.

Passengers drenched in sweat, waiting for hours in the filled-up railway station happens to be the most common sights from popular railway stations in the state. With the reduction in passengers’ trains, most trains now travel with chock-full of passengers. This has also led to breathing issues in passengers with many reportedly collapsing on the station.

Agonizingly, most times, these passenger trains overflowing with people, will be made to halt for hours, only to pave the way for the elite Vande Bharat trains. The travel woes in passenger and local trains increased tenfold. Passengers travelling from Kozhikode to Kannur and Kasaragod are mostly suffering.

Parasuram Express, servicing daily between Manguluru and Nagercoil now elicits panic and fright in passengers. The popular train is filled with passengers that even the footboard would be occupied. After the Coimbatore-Kannur Express at 6:15 pm, the next train to Kannur is the Executive Express which comes only at 9:32 pm.

The Netravati Express reaching Kozhikode at 6:10 am comes with just two general compartments and is causing inconvenience to the daily commuters including students.

Immediate reforms needed :

1. New carriages according to the number of passengers

2. More Memu Service

3. More bogies in current carriages

4. Improve security system

5. Make 16 coaches in the 2nd Vande Bharat in Kerala,