Kottayam: The railway authorities continue their apathy to the pleas of the passengers who have been requesting to allow a stop for the Palaruvi Express at Ettumanoor. It’s been four years since the railway has ‘agreed’ for a positive decision in this matter. The Palaruvi Express had begun its service between Punalur and Palakkad on 19 April 2017. This train was later extended to Tirunelveli. Even though the passengers’ associations and people’s representatives like MPs have submitted multiple requests, the railway has consistently ignored them. Meanwhile, the division level assessment is that a stop could be allowed at Ettumanoor without causing any delay to the service. However, there hasn’t been any positive response from the railway authorities.
In case, the Palaruvi Express is allowed a stop at Ettumannor, the train is likely to reach the station at 7.30 am towards Ernakulam and at 8.15 in the night towards Kollam.
Here’s why the passengers’ associations have been demanding a stop at Ettumanoor.
•The morning timing suits the passengers who reach MG University, Medical College and the major religious centers in Ettumanoor.
•The train would reach Ettumannor at around 7.30 am. Now, the passengers who have to reach Ettumanoor should get down at Kottayam and then travel in buses.
•The train timing is perfect for those who travel to Ernakulam for work. Passengers from Ettumanoor and nearby places can easily depend on this service. As the train reaches Ernakulam at 9.20 am, this suits people who are employed in offices.
•The train that returns from Palakkad reaches Ettumanoor at 8.15 pm. This is perfect for the office workers who are returning from Ernakulam.
Those who demand a stop at Ettumanoor points out three reasons to prove that it will be feasible.
•The platform at the Ettumanoor railway station lies along the main railway line. It would only take 5 minutes to stop here and then resume the journey.
•The railway had allowed technical stop for the Palaruvi Express at Ettumanoor station for the railway employees when there was a surge in the Covid 19 cases. It must be noted that the train ran without any delay.
•The maintenance works at the Ettumanoor station have been completed. Moreover, the double gauge line from Ettumanoor to Ernakulam too has been completed.
