Kollam-Kottayam MEMU service to be extended to Ernakulam
The extension is expected to ease overcrowding on the Venad Express for passengers travelling via Kottayam.
The Kollam-Kottayam MEMU service will be extended to Ernakulam, according to reports by The Hindu and The New Indian Express. The Railways has finalised the schedule and list of stops for the service, with an official notification expected to be issued on Monday.
Mavelikara MP Kodikkunnil Suresh said Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has approved the schedule and stops. The train is scheduled to depart from Kollam at 1.40 p.m. and from Ernakulam at 5.25 p.m.
The service will stop at Thripunithura, Kanjiramattam, Piravom Road, Vaikom Road, Kuruppanthara, Ettumanur, Kottayam, Chingavanam, Changanassery, Thiruvalla, Chengannur, Cheriyanad, Mavelikara, Kayamkulam, Oachira, Karunagappally, Sasthamcotta, Munroe Island and Perinad.
The extension is expected to ease the rush on the Venad Express, particularly during evening hours, and provide an additional travel option between Kollam and Ernakulam via Kottayam.
The decision has led to a political dispute over credit. BJP State president and MLA Rajeev Chandrasekhar said the decision followed a representation he submitted to Mr Vaishnaw.
Mr Suresh stated he had repeatedly raised the issue with the Railway Minister, noting the overcrowding on the Venad Express. He said he had submitted a formal letter seeking the extension on October 3.