Kollam-Kottayam MEMU to run up to Ernakulam, set to ease rush in Venad

In a major relief to daily commuters, the Kollam-Kottayam MEMU service will be extended to Ernakulam, with the Railways finalising its schedule and list of stops. An official notification announcing the extension will be issued the next day.

The extended service is expected to ease overcrowding on the Venad Express, particularly during evening hours while providing an additional travel option for passengers commuting between Kollam and Ernakulam via Kottayam.

According to Mavelikara MP Kodikkunnil Suresh, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has approved the schedule and stops for the extended service. The train will leave Kollam at 1.40 p.m. and Ernakulam at 5.25 p.m. The MEMU will stop at Thripunithura, Kanjiramattam, Piravom Road, Vaikom Road, Kuruppanthara, Ettumanur, Kottayam, Chingavanam, Changanassery, Thiruvalla, Chengannur, Cheriyanad, Mavelikara, Kayamkulam, Oachira, Karunagappally, Sasthamcotta, Munroe Island and Perinad.

Meanwhile, the announcement has triggered a political tussle, with the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staking competing claims to the credit for securing the extension. BJP State president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, MLA, said the decision followed a representation he had submitted to Mr. Vaishnaw. Describing the extension as a major relief, he said it would benefit hundreds of daily commuters along the Kottayam-Ernakulam route.

Mr. Suresh, meanwhile, said he had repeatedly raised the issue with the Union Railway Minister, drawing attention to the severe overcrowding on the Venad Express during evening hours. He said he had also submitted photographs and videos to the Minister to highlight the difficulties faced by passengers, particularly women, children and senior citizens, who often struggle to find even standing space on the train.

Mr. Suresh said he had sought an additional evening train ahead of the Venad Express, besides requesting the extension of the existing Kollam-Kottayam MEMU service to Ernakulam. Following his intervention, the Railway Minister’s office issued directions to the Railway Board, which subsequently took up the matter with Southern Railway, he said.

He added that he had submitted a formal letter seeking the extension on October 3 and that the decision was the result of sustained efforts and discussions with Railway authorities.