Kochi: Travelling on trains is a travail for public in Kerala as long delays and crossing halts take up too much time. Railway officials blame too many stops for the slow running of trains and delays. They have suggested fewer number of stops for new trains that will be considered for running in Kerala.

Trains cannot run on time if they have to have too many stops, railway officials pointed out. “How can trains run fast if they have to stop at almost every station. Trains cannot even gather average speed because of frequent stops, ” officials asked. Passengers associations accept the argument to a certain extent, but demand joint discussions to sort out the matter.

It is understood that the limiting of halts is part of a new railway policy. Hamsafar Express and Antyodaya Express have limited stops and trains that are to be introduced in future may also follow the pattern. The Kochuveli-Mangaluru Antyodaya Express was not allowed even stops that the rail divisions had recommended.

The Railway Board as well as the prime minister's office are monitoring the punctuality of trains. The railway divisions survive censure as they have numerous excuses like fallen trees, signal malfunction, engine fire, waterlogging, fissures in the tracks, derailing in the yard etc. for delays.

Most of the long-distance weekly trains have too many stops in Kerala. “Stops should be limited to district headquarters and pilgrim centres,” says Divisional Railway Users Committee member P. Krishnakumar. “The Railways have to make an effort to increase the speed of these trains.”

However, it has been found that trains with very limited stoppages have low occupancy. There is hardly any rush on the Tirunelveli-Gandhidam Hamsafar Express. The bi-weekly Mangaluru-Kochuveli Antyodaya Express has only 40% occupancy. Passengers demand that stops should be ensured at least at main stations considering this factor.

It has been a practice among the Members of Parliament from Kerala to obtain stops all over the state for trains ahead of elections. The Venad Express, which runs 330 km, thus earned 29 stops.

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