Kottayam: Rail passengers in Kottayam are hopeful as the electrification works in the Punalur – Sengottai rail tracks have been completed. The demand for a night train service from central Kerala to Madurai via Sengottai is quite old. The Tamil Nadu Passengers Association too had appealed for allowing this service, reported Manorama Online. More number of trains could be allowed on this route as the electrification works are now completed. Meanwhile, passengers are hopeful that the Madurai train on this route too would become a reality. Moreover, maintenance facilities also are available in Madurai and the trains can be cleaned and filled with water at Kottayam.
The train that departs Madurai at night and reaches Kottayam by the next morning is the most demanded one. The train that now runs in the Kottayam – Madurai route at night is usually crowded. Even though Amritha Express runs to Madurai, it is operated via Palakkad. There aren’t still any measures to begin train services from Kottayam, even two years after the construction of new platforms. Moreover, despite the instruction to extend the trains that end their journey at Ernakulam to Kottayam, proper actions aren’t taken in this matter.
More coaches for Palaruvi?
The Tirunelveli – Palakkad Palaruvi Express may benefit from the latest electrification of the Punalur – Sengottai route. The railways have decided to operate trains that have up to 18 coaches on this route. So, the number of coaches of the Palaruvi Express is likely to go up. Currently, the train has 14 coaches; the increased number of coaches would reduce the rush inside the train.
Entrance gate remains closed
Adding to the woes of passengers, the second entrance gate of the Kottayam railway station remains closed. The passengers would surely benefit if facilities for purchasing tickets were arranged in the almost completed building. It was planned to open the building to the public by installing a ticket vending machine; however, that didn’t happen. Meanwhile, the railways had promised to open the building before March 31. But, that too got delayed due to the Lok Sabha elections.
The building could be opened for the passengers if higher authorities intervene in the matter. Those who come from Ettumanoor and Pala could avoid circling the Nagambadom area to enter through the main gate and enter directly from the MC Road where the second gate is built. It would be an added benefit if ticket vending machines too are installed here. Meanwhile, up to 150 vehicles could be parked in the parking lot close to the second gate.
