Call to strengthen Kannur-Mangaluru rail connectivity gains momentum

The demand for enhanced rail connectivity between north Kerala and coastal Karnataka has gained momentum, with the Kasaragod Rail Passengers’ Association demanding that the proposal be implemented without the procurement of new rakes.

The association has called for a re-evaluation of discontinued services and optimal use of the existing MEMU rakes to address long-standing travel gaps.

Association president R. Prasanth said the unprofitability cited for the withdrawal of the Byndoor-Kasaragod-Kannur passenger train was due to its “unscientific and inconvenient schedule.” According to him, no effort was made to realign the timings to suit local requirements. He called it a missed opportunity that must be revisited.

One of the proposals involves the strategic extension and clubbing of existing MEMU services, integrating the Madgaon-Mangaluru MEMU with the Kannur-Shoranur MEMU. The suggested outcome is a daily MEMU service from Kannur to Mangaluru, departing at 11 a.m. and reaching Mangaluru by 2 p.m., along with a separate MEMU service from Mangaluru Central to Kannur, departing at 11.30 a.m. and arriving in Kannur by 2.30 p.m.

“This route will not only ease travel but also help the Railways enhance revenue without investing in additional rolling stock,” said Naser Cherkalam, secretary of the association. He pointed out that the idle MEMU rake from Shoranur, which currently remains unused in Kannur for nearly nine hours, could be effectively utilised for the service.

The proposed service is also expected to offer vital onward connectivity from Kannur to major services, including the Ernakulam Intercity Express, Shoranur Passenger, and the Vande Bharat Express. Additionally, the route holds potential to serve pilgrims from across Kerala heading to the Mookambika Temple in Kollur, Karnataka.

The proposal by the association has been submitted to the Railway Ministry, with stakeholders demanding its immediate implemention. “Thousands are waiting for a practical solution, not just promises. We hope this proposal will be given the attention it deserves,” said Nizar Peruvad, convener of the association.

The issue was also highlighted at the District Development Committee (DDC) meeting chaired by District Collector K. Inbasekar. M. Rajagopal, MLA, and other leaders moved a formal resolution demanding the extension of MEMU service to Mangaluru.

“Currently, only one passenger train connects Kannur and Mangaluru. With hundreds relying on it daily, the recent reduction in the number of coaches from 14 to 11 has worsened the situation,” the DDC noted.