Bengaluru: The railway has not reinstated the Bengaluru – Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express despite repeated demands from the passengers. The Bengaluru Cantonment – Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express had run special services from July 31 to August 26 this year. The authorities didn’t heed the passengers’ request to extend this special service until Onam. However, a Garib Rath Express was allowed from Yelahanka to Ernakulam, though it was also cancelled after Onam.
Meanwhile, the authorities have given a strange explanation that the Vande Bharat Express, which was fully booked on all days, including weekends and holidays, didn’t have enough passengers, reported Manorama News. Recently, in his letter to the Railway Minister, CPM Rajya Sabha member John Brittas said the train had an occupancy rate of 105%. Kerala railway passenger associations even demanded that it be made a daily service.
Sabarimala special
Passengers have been demanding that a special train be launched from Bengaluru to Kottayam for the Sabarimala pilgrims. Last year, special trains were allowed to Kottayam and Kollam from Hubbali and Belagavi stations. Given the upcoming Christmas and New Year holiday seasons, passengers could enjoy comfortable journeys if more trains are allowed.
Palakkad or Palani?
The decision to extend KSR Bengaluru – Coimbatore Uday Express until Palakkad is getting delayed, reportedly due to coercion from Tamil Nadu to extend it to Palani. It was announced that the train, which had an experimental run until Palakkad in April this year, will begin regular service after the Lok Sabha election. The experimental run was conducted via Pollachi instead of the Coimbatore – Kanjikode route.