For the first time, CPI rents full train to travel from Kerala to Delhi

In an unprecedented move, the Communist Party of India (CPI) has chartered an entire 18-coach train to transport party workers from Kerala to Delhi for a massive national-level protest against the Central government, reports Manorama Online. The CPI's Kerala state leadership finalised the decision during its recent state committee meetings, paying an advance of ₹9 lakh to Southern Railway to secure the booking. This marks the first time a political party in Kerala has rented a special train to ferry protesters to the national capital.

The scheduled national demonstration is set for Delhi on September 1, with around 1,500 party workers from Kerala expected to participate. To ensure all participants travel together, the party leadership opted for this massive transport arrangement. The special train is scheduled to depart from Kochuveli in Thiruvananthapuram on August 29 and arrive in Delhi on August 31. Following the protest, the train will resume its journey on September 2, arriving in Thiruvananthapuram on September 4.

How railway chartering works
Indian Railways operates special trains as an additional source of revenue. The final fare is calculated based on various factors, including the chosen route, number of passengers, scheduled stops, travel time, and overall operational costs. While the CPI has already deposited the initial advance of ₹9 lakh to initiate the booking process, the railway department has not yet handed over the final calculation of total expenses to the party.
Though we reached out to CPI for details, we haven't received a response.