Speedy Summary
- Kodikunnil Suresh, MP from Mavelikara, has requested extending train number 20634 Thiruvananthapuram Central – Kasaragod Vande Bharat Express to Mangaluru.
- He proposed increasing the number of coaches on Vande Bharat Express trains (20633/20634) from 20 to 24 due to passenger demand.
- Suresh noted that the route benefits Kerala passengers traveling across major cities but highlighted difficulty in obtaining seats regularly, which necessitates additional capacity.
- He emphasized the importance of extending services to Mangaluru for people along the Kerala-Karnataka border and facilitating travel for work and education purposes.
- The MP welcomed a recent decision to increase coaches on the Mangaluru Central – Thiruvananthapuram Central (via Alappuzha) Vande Bharat services (20631/20632) from 16 to 20 effective September 9. These will include two AC Executive Chair Cars and eighteen AC Chair Cars.
- Suresh also urged authorities to add a stoppage at kayamkulam station for convenience as it serves central and southern regions of Kerala.
Indian Opinion Analysis
the growing demands for expanded routes and increased capacity indicate how popular the Vande Bharat Express has become in Kerala, providing fast and effective connectivity across key cities. Extending service up to Mangaluru could substantially benefit residents near Kerala’s northern border with Karnataka by easing cross-border transportation burdens tied to work or education. Calls for additional stops at Kayamkulam further reflect efforts toward equitable access while addressing regional transit needs.
Operational decisions like adding four permanent coaches show Railways’ responsiveness toward adjusting supply based on demand patterns; however,accommodating requests from local leaders such as Kodikunnil Suresh would require balancing logistical feasibility with commuter priorities. This ongoing push is emblematic of larger improvements sought in India’s rail network connectivity standards.
Published: September 07, 2025
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