Railways to allow new train in Kozhikode–Palakkad route

Palakkad: To the relief of hundreds of rail passengers, the Indian Railway may allow a new train in the Kozhikode – Palakkad route soon. The recommendation of the Palakkad Railway division has reportedly been approved by the Southern Railway. The new train will, meanwhile, be launched as a special service. The report submitted by the Palakkad railway division states that the Mangaluru – Kozhikode train could be extended to Palakkad and that the service would be financially viable with no technical difficulties.

The operations and commercial departments of the Southern Railway has responded positively to the proposal. The traffic department will issue the notification after securing approval from the general manager. Special service allows trains in a specific route for a stipulated period of time; such trains are usually extended or made permanent later. Special train services were flagged off in the Shorannur – Kannur route last year following news reports by Manorama.

Meanwhile, we have been constantly reporting about the difficulties faced by the rail passengers in the Palakkad–Kozhikode route. The MPs from Palakkad, Malappuram and Kozhikode regions have been urging the Southern Railway to start new trains in this route. The MPs had raised this issue in the meeting convened by the Southern Railway manager at Palakkad.