Kochi: Venad Express, one of the most popular trains in the State, has received a much-needed makeover. The train, which arrived with brand new coaches, was given a warm reception at the railway station here.
The train has a rake which utilizes center buffer coupling (CBC) technology, which prevents telescoping of compartments in the case of an accident. Other attractions of the new bogies include cushion seats, LED displays, modular wash rooms and food trays.
The sole air-conditioned coach now has facilities rivaling the business class in flights. Copious leg room is another advantage of the AC coach. Passengers have demanded that the number of AC coaches in Venad should be increased.
The coaches now sport LED displays which indicate the upcoming station. Indicators also show whether wash rooms are vacant.
Passengers whole-heartedly welcomed the new changes. Many of them initially refused to believe that Venad would run with new coaches. “If southern railway allots bogies made in 2017 to Kerala, then they would have some manufacturing defect,” said a passenger in jest.
With most trains plying in Kerala running on coaches made in the 1990s, traveling in a 2017 bogie was a dream-come-true for many regular commuters. On its first trip, Venad was given receptions at all the stops on the way. At Kottayam and Ernakulam, the reception was arranged by Kerala Railway Users’ Association. Loco pilot K Vijayan and assistant loco pilot K V Jayendran were draped with shawls. Sweets were also distributed.
Station director R Harikrishnan and station manager Rohith Chandran were present during the function. They said passengers should take care to keep the coaches clean. Passengers were of the opinion that railway should install CCTVs in the train for the purpose. They also demanded similar high-tech coaches in Kannur Intercity, Parasuram and Venad express trains also.
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