Amit Bharat Express Trains Bypass Alappuzha, Sparking Passenger Discontent in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram: The introduction of three Amit Bharat Express trains for Kerala has been met with a mixed response, as passengers voice significant dissatisfaction over the routing that excludes Alappuzha. While the new services are generally welcomed, the decision to route them via Kottayam instead of Alappuzha has left many commuters feeling neglected.
Passenger Frustrations Over Route Selection
The Nagercoil–Mangalore Junction Amrit Bharat Express and the Thiruvananthapuram North–Charlapalli Express are both directed through Kottayam, bypassing Alappuzha entirely. This has sparked concerns among passengers who rely on the Alappuzha route for their daily travel needs. Alappuzha operates on a single-line track, which has long been a bottleneck, leading to inadequate services and frequent delays for those traveling to destinations along this corridor.
Liyons J of Friends on Rail, a prominent rail passenger association, acknowledged the positive step of introducing new Amrit Bharat trains but emphasized the unhappiness among Alappuzha route users. "The route needs more services," he stated, highlighting the persistent demand for improved connectivity.
Challenges of Single-Line Congestion
The railways face significant constraints in introducing additional trains on the Alappuzha route due to severe route congestion. A notable issue is the timing clash of the Nagercoil–Mangalore train on Tuesdays with an existing train that travels via Alappuzha. This scheduling conflict prevents the operation of the Amrit Bharat train back-to-back with another express service, exacerbating the limitations of the single-line infrastructure.
Frequent travelers have suggested potential solutions, such as changing the running day of the Mangaluru train to allow it to operate via Alappuzha. However, the core problem remains the inadequate capacity of the single-line track, which forces trains to be held up at smaller stations to allow crossings, causing cascading delays across all services on the route.
Demands for Enhanced Services and Infrastructure
Passenger associations, including Friends on Rail, are advocating for several measures to alleviate the issues. Their demands include the introduction of more Memu (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) services on the Kayamkulam-Alappuzha-Ernakulam route, particularly during peak hours. They are also calling for the daily operation of a 16-car Memu, additional stoppages for weekly trains at Haripad, Ambalapuzha, and Mararikulam, and permission for the Ernad Express to stop at Mararikulam.
The lack of adequate trains and the absence of special services along the Alappuzha route have compounded passenger woes. The delay in implementing a doubling project for the track has been a critical factor, as it would significantly reduce congestion and improve service reliability. Without this upgrade, the current situation is likely to persist, affecting countless commuters.
Broader Implications for Kerala's Rail Network
This issue underscores broader challenges in Kerala's railway infrastructure, where single-line sections continue to hinder efficient service expansion. While the Amit Bharat Express trains represent a step forward in modernizing rail travel, the exclusion of key routes like Alappuzha highlights the need for balanced development that addresses the needs of all passengers.
As discussions continue, passengers hope for swift action from railway authorities to enhance services and infrastructure, ensuring that the benefits of new train introductions are felt across the state, not just in select corridors.
