Kozhikode MP M.K. Raghavan met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to protest the severe shortage of Onam special trains in the Malabar region, citing regional disparity.

Key Takeaways

  • Over 80% of Onam special trains are concentrated in South Kerala.
  • Malabar region faces a severe shortage of sleeper services.
  • MP M.K. Raghavan demanded more trains from Chennai and Bengaluru.
  • Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw assured prompt action.

Kozhikode MP M.K. Raghavan met Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi on Wednesday to demand urgent intervention regarding the acute shortage of special train services for the upcoming Onam festival. The MP highlighted a perceived regional bias in the allocation of services by Southern Railway.

According to the MP, there is a glaring disparity in the distribution of Onam special trains. He pointed out that more than 80% of the announced special services are focused on South Kerala, leaving the Malabar region—a vital hub for expats, IT professionals, and students—with minimal support.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that during peak festive seasons, any imbalance in transport infrastructure can lead to massive congestion and economic strain on specific regions. The lack of affordable sleeper coaches in Malabar could prevent thousands of middle-class travelers from returning home for the festivities.

The concentration of resources in one part of the state creates a logistical nightmare for commuters in the North.

Mr. Raghavan specifically noted that the Chennai-Mangaluru special train running on Uthradam day is inadequate, featuring only six sleeper carriages. While the train includes 10 AC coaches, the high fares make it inaccessible for ordinary passengers. He urged the Minister to attach extra carriages to regular trains and introduce new services from Chennai and Bengaluru via Kozhikode to Mangaluru.

Historical Background

The Onam festival triggers one of the largest seasonal migrations in Kerala, with millions traveling from various parts of India back to their hometowns. Historically, the Indian Railways has introduced 'Special Trains' to manage this surge, but the equitable distribution of these trains has often been a point of contention between northern and southern districts.

Did You Know?: During the Onam rush, railway stations in Kerala experience a passenger volume increase of nearly 300% compared to regular days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What is the main grievance of the Kozhikode MP?
Answer: The main grievance is the regional disparity where 80% of special trains are allocated to South Kerala, neglecting Malabar.

Question 2: What specific solution did the MP propose?
Answer: He proposed additional special trains from Chennai and Bengaluru to Mangaluru via Kozhikode and increasing sleeper coaches on existing routes.