Now Reading: Dhanbad Express extension to Thiruvananthapuram faces passenger concern
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Dhanbad Express extension to Thiruvananthapuram faces passenger concern
Dhanbad Express extension to Thiruvananthapuram faces passenger concern
The Railway Board is considering extending the Dhanbad Express, which currently starts from Alappuzha, to Thiruvananthapuram North. Passengers travelling north from Alappuzha have voiced concerns over the proposal, citing frequent delays and…
The Railway Board is considering extending the Dhanbad Express, which currently starts from Alappuzha, to Thiruvananthapuram North. Passengers travelling north from Alappuzha have voiced concerns over the proposal, citing frequent delays and potential disruption to next-day services.
The train arrived late at Alappuzha on 81 days in the past six months, with delays exceeding an hour on many occasions. Passengers say extending the service could leave insufficient time for maintenance before the next day's departure, affecting hundreds of commuters heading to Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad for work and study.
Passenger organisations have demanded that the Tata Express, which currently idles at Ernakulam, be extended to Thiruvananthapuram via Alappuzha instead. The proposed extension also threatens the coaching depot at Alappuzha, where around 40 workers fear job losses.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The Railway Board's proposal pits operational convenience against commuter reliability on a line that already struggles with punctuality. Under Indian Railways' standard operating procedure, extending a train's route requires clearance for revised timings, crew scheduling and maintenance slots at the destination depot. Alappuzha's coaching depot is one of Kerala's smaller facilities, and losing the Dhanbad Express would leave it with fewer trains to service, potentially justifying a downgrade or closure. The precedent of the Netravati Express, whose schedule overlaps with the proposed extended run, shows how route changes can create bunching on the single coastal track. Passenger organisations have an alternative: the Tata Express, which spends hours idle at Ernakulam, could be rerouted instead. The board's final decision, expected after reviewing public feedback, will determine whether Alappuzha retains its depot and whether 1,500 Monday commuters get a reliable train or a longer wait.
Source: english.mathrubhumi.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
