Sabari Express Maintenance Shift to Thiruvananthapuram Sparks Passenger Concerns in Kerala

quick Summary

• The Southern Central Railway (SCR) plans to shift the primary maintenance of the Secunderabad-Trivandrum-Secunderabad Sabari Express from Telangana to Thiruvananthapuram.
• Thomas Simon, General Secretary of the Western India Passengers’ Association, highlights concerns over limited maintenance slots within the Thiruvananthapuram Southern Railway division.
• Currently, four rakes are used for this train service. SCR proposes operating it on a PFTR (Platform Turn Round) basis with reduced travel time and an average speed of 60 kmph, saving one rake.
• The saved rake could be utilized for a biweekly Secunderabad-kottayam superfast service. Additionally, an intercity train connecting Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam could operate in peak hours if the maintenance slot remains with SCR.
• Adjusting speeds would allow Sabari Express to reach Thiruvananthapuram earlier than its current arrival at 6:05 p.m., relieving passenger discomfort caused by long travel hours.
• An intercity service proposal offers approximately 2,000 new seats for peak office hour commuters between Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam-a response to overcrowding issues suffered by local trains in that sector.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The proposed shift of primary maintenance responsibilities from Telangana to Kerala raises operational challenges due to limited infrastructure in Thiruvananthapuram’s railway division. While SCR’s suggestion for PFTR-based operations could lead to more efficient rake usage and even facilitate new services like a biweekly train or additional intercity options, it necessitates streamlined coordination between speed adjustments and scheduling discipline.The debate reflects larger trade-offs inherent in India’s rail network management-prioritizing long-distance efficiency versus local commuter relief efforts. If implemented carefully with adequate investments in rail yard expansion at major hubs like Trivandrum station, this change could address both regional passenger needs and national connectivity goals without creating infrastructural bottlenecks.

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