Passengers miffed as Rajdhani, Intercity, Ernad delayed to allow Vande Bharat run on time
Passengers allege that the Indian Railways is intentionally delaying other popular trains in Kerala to ensure the punctuality of the Vande Bharat Express. They claim that trains like Intercity, Palaruvi, Rajdhani, and Ernad are experiencing delays of up to 45 minutes to make way for the Vande Bharat trains. Frustrated passengers staged protests in Thiruvananthapuram when the Venad Express, which previously departed at 5.05 am, was rescheduled to 5.25 am to accommodate the Vande Bharat Express.
These sudden changes in schedules have caused significant inconvenience for daily commuters. The Kayamkulam Express, scheduled for 6.05 pm departure from Ernakulam, is often delayed by up to 40 minutes these days. Janashatabdi, Nagercoil-Kottayam passenger, Ernad, and Intercity are among the other affected trains.
While the Railways claim that these delays are due to maintenance work, many passengers are urging authorities to take proper measures to address these delays. The President of the All Kerala Railway Passengers Association, K J Paul Manvettom, suggests that if the authorities can ensure that the Venad Express reaches Ernakulam by 9.30-9.40 am, it could serve as an amicable solution.
