The Ministry of Railways has decided to increase the Ernakulam–Velankanni Express to three services a week, informed Mavelikkara MP Kodikunnil Suresh. According to him, efforts are also underway to make the train a daily service, which will be realised once arrangements such as platform and rake availability are in place. The Velankanni pilgrimage season is from August 29 to September 8. A few days ago, special trains for the season - 06061( Ernakulam Junction - Velankanni) and 06062 (Velankanni - Ernakulam Junction) were announced. They will start service on August 27. 

The Railway Board has taken a favourable stance on extending the Nilambur Road–Kottayam Express up to Kollam. After receiving final approval from the Railway Board on the reorganisation of the Fixed Time Corridor Block, the extension is expected to come into effect before this Onam. 

A notification regarding the allocation of a stop at Sasthamkotta for the Eranad Express will also be issued soon. The MP further informed that the Railway Board has assured restoration of stops at Changanassery and Sasthamkotta for the Mangaluru–Thiruvananthapuram Express, which had been withdrawn on one side during the Covid period. An assurance has also been received on restoring the Changanassery stop for the Janshatabdi Express.

Ernakulam – Velankanni special train timings
1) 06061 Ernakulam Junction – Velankanni (August 27, September 3 and 10): The train leaves Ernakulam at 11.50 pm and reaches Kottayam at 12.45 am, Changanassery at 1 am and Velankanni at 3.15 pm.
2) 06062 Velankanni – Ernakulam Junction (August 28, September 4 and 11): The train departs from Velankanni at 6.40 pm and reaches Changanassery at 9.47 am next morning. Kottayam arrival time – 10.04 am, Ernakulam arrival time – 11.55 am.

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MEMU rakes to be increased
Meanwhile, the Railway Board has approved the proposal to increase the number of rakes in MEMU trains operating via Kottayam from eight to between 12 and 16. As part of this move, which aims to ease the heavy rush of passengers, additional rakes will soon be brought to Kollam, the MP added.

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