Thrissur: Complaints are rife that the unusual train timings introduced by the Southern Railways, without considering the needs of the passengers, are putting them in great difficulty. Sources say that there are allegations that the suggestions from Thrissur region were constantly ignored even as the time table was rescheduled.
The timings of Egmore – Guruvayur that runs in the morning, Alappuzha – Kannur and Alappuzha – Chennai services that run in the evening would be changed in the coming few days.
The Shorannur – Ernakulam passenger train that used to pass through Thrissur after 5 pm now reaches the station at 4.20 am as Shorannur – Ernakulam memu. The service that begins from Shorannur at 3.30 am reaches Ernakulam by 6 am. However, this train mostly runs empty due to the unusual timings.
If the departure time is 4.30 am, it would be beneficial for the passengers who need to reach Ernakulam. But, the authorities aren’t ready to consider this suggestion. Besides, passengers are miffed at the sudden change in timings of many other trains too.
Meanwhile, the passengers are worried about the proposed changes in the timings of some trains that run in the evenings. Thrissur Railway Passengers Association pointed out that rescheduling the trains, citing maintenance works and other reasons, would severely affect the convenience of the passengers. M Gireesan, member of the Southern Railway advisory committee demanded that the railway should take immediate steps to resolve this issue.