The new Kollam - Ernakulam MEMU service via Kottayam was launched today with much fanfare. The eight-coach train began its service at 5.55 am from Kollam and reached Ernakulam Junction around 9.35 am. The Monday to Friday service is a big consolation to passengers who travel and suffer big crowds on the Palaruvi and Venad Express trains. However, the fact that the train service is expected to operate just till November 29 worries passengers. As per reports, authorities have many concerns like shortage of staff and infrastructure, tight schedule and a few other operational challenges that can pose a hurdle to the extension of the service.
The new time schedule
Here are the new timings at which the MEMU should reach various stations.
Kollam - 05.55 am
Peirnad - 06.10 am
Monroe Thuruth - 6.30 am
Sasthamkotta - 6.39 am
Kayamkulam - 7.05 am
Mavelikkara - 7.13 am
Chengannur - 7.25 am
Thiruvalla - 7.34 am
Changanassery - 7.43 am
Kottayam - 8.04 am
Ettumanoor - 8.16 am
Kuruppanthara - 8.25 am
Vaikom Road - 8.34 am
Piravom Road - 8.42 am
Mulanthuruthy - 8.53 am
Tripunithura - 9.03 am
Ernakulam Junction - 9.35 am
Return journey
Ernakulam Junction - 9.50 am
Tripunithura - 10.08 am
Mulanthuruthy - 10.19 am
Piravom Road - 10.32 am
Vaikom Road - 10.40 am
Kuruppanthara - 10.51 am
Ettumanoor - 11 am
Kottayam - 11.14 am
Changanassery - 11.36 am
Tiruvalla - 11.46 am
Chengannur - 11.56 am
Mavelikkara - 12.09 pm
Kayamkulam - 12.19 pm
Karunagappally - 12.37 pm
Sasthamkotta - 12.47 pm
Monroe Thuruth - 12.55 pm
Perinad - 1.03 pm
Kollam - 1.30 pm