Crisis deepens as service shortage hits rail passengers from north Kerala

Train shortages and deteriorating rail services in north Kerala have intensified travel challenges ahead of the upcoming Onam festival, with commuters expressing frustration over overcrowding, long waiting times, and insufficient infrastructure. Protests erupted at Kozhikode railway station on Sunday, August 16, 2026, as local representatives and passenger groups accused railway authorities of neglecting the region’s transportation needs. The demonstrations were organized by the Malabar Train Passengers Welfare Association, which claims its concerns have been ignored despite repeated appeals to officials. The crisis is most acute along the Kozhikode-Kannur-Mangaluru route, where passengers face severe disruptions during peak hours, particularly between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. Many travelers rely on alternative modes of transport due to the lack of regular train services. Overcrowding has made it difficult for students, elderly individuals, and medical patients to access essential services in Kozhikode, according to P. Muraleedharan, a hospital employee who frequently commutes between Kozhikode and Kannur. He described the conditions as untenable, especially for vulnerable groups who depend on reliable public transport. Passenger organizations have repeatedly called for improved rail connectivity, including the introduction of a new daily intercity express between Mangaluru and Coimbatore. However, this proposal has yet to materialize, reportedly due to delays in completing necessary infrastructure projects along the route. A senior representative of the Confederation of All India Rail Users Association criticized the lack of communication channels for ordinary passengers to voice their concerns. He emphasized the need for more accessible platforms to address grievances promptly and effectively. MP M.K. Raghavan highlighted a perceived regional disparity in the allocation of special trains, noting that current Onam services primarily benefit passengers from southern Kerala while overlooking the needs of students, IT professionals, and expatriates from northern districts. His recent discussions with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw underscored the urgency of addressing these imbalances. Similarly, MP Shafi Parambil submitted a list of priorities to the minister, advocating for additional stops on long-distance trains at key locations such as Koyilandy, Vadakara, Thalassery, and Mahe. These stations, he argued, generate sufficient revenue to justify expanded services, which would alleviate travel hardships for residents in these areas. Protesters from the Malabar Train Passengers Association claimed that the absence of passenger trains and MEMU (Main Line Electrical Multiple Unit) services between Central Kerala, Palakkad, and North Malabar districts has exacerbated the problem. They pointed to the stalled restoration of the Kozhikode-Thrissur and Thrissur-Kozhikode passenger services as a critical issue requiring immediate attention. The association alleged that railway authorities had failed to prioritize these routes, leaving passengers with few options for reliable travel. Railway officials acknowledged that some of the pending requests might be reviewed shortly. However, they noted that several factors, including security assessments, would influence decisions regarding the addition of new train services. While this response offered a glimmer of hope, it did little to ease the frustrations of commuters who continue to endure substandard conditions. The situation underscores a broader challenge in balancing regional needs with logistical constraints within the national rail network. As Onam approaches, the pressure on existing infrastructure is expected to rise, further testing the resilience of the system and the responsiveness of railway authorities.