Southern Railway, which previously scaled back many train stoppages during the post-COVID-19 period, is now actively working to restore or introduce new permanent halts for trains across Kerala. In recent weeks, at least a dozen trains operating within the state have been granted these additional permanent stops at various stations.
Among the trains benefiting from these new halts are the Mangaluru Central-Kanyakumari-Mangaluru Central Parasuram Express at Vaikam Road (effective November 1), the Nilambur Road-Thiruvananthapuram North Rajya Rani Express at Karunagapally (from October 30), and the Thiruvananthapuram North-SMVT Bengaluru-Thiruvananthapuram North Humsafar Express at Kayamkulam Junction (from November 1). Other services like the Guruvayur-Madurai Junction Express now stop at Perinad (October 22), the Thiruvananthapuram Central-Kannur Jan Shatabdi Express at Changanassery (October 9), the Nagercoil Junction-Kottayam Daily Express at Oachira (September 3), the Ernad Express at Sasthamkotta (September 4), and the Palarauvi Express in Irinjalakuda (September 8).
Furthermore, the Chennai Egmore-Guruvayur Express recently received new stops at Haripad, Chirayinkeezu, Kadakkavur, and Paravur. The Changanassery railway station, in particular, has seen a surge in stoppages, with most special trains now halting there. This is especially significant during festival periods, which see 50 to 100 special services, and during the Sabarimala pilgrimage season, when up to 300 services will now include a stop at Changanassery.
Railway sources indicate that the increase in permanent additional stoppages is largely driven by political pressure, rather than solely operational considerations. Previously, many halts were discontinued post-pandemic due to perceived low passenger patronage and revenue, especially for trains stopping between midnight and 4 a.m. For instance, Irinjalakuda has yet to see the restoration of midnight stops for trains like the Malabar Express and Mangalore Express, despite improvements in passenger numbers and station revenue.
The current train halt policy dictates that stops are allocated based on the revenue generated from each station for different train categories. Ahead of upcoming elections, Kerala also has more reasons to celebrate, with the allocation of a third Vande Bharat service for the state, connecting Ernakulam to Bengaluru—a long-standing demand from passengers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to virtually inaugurate this new service on November 7. Additionally, the inauguration of nine Amrit Bharat stations in Kerala is also scheduled to take place before the polls.