Kannur-Thiruvananthapuram Jan Shatabdi Express gets new halt at Aluva

Kochi: Railways has allotted a new stop for 12081/12082 Kannur-Thiruvananthapuram Central Jan Shatabdi Express at Aluva station. The decision is expected to provide massive relief to hundreds of commuters, particularly those heading to Kochi International Airport from the northern parts of the state.Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnav has informed the same in a letter to minister of state George Kurian. The letter confirmed that the request for the stoppage, aimed at improving public convenience, has been officially approved. The addition of Aluva as a port of call is strategically vital due to its proximity to the airport. Currently, passengers arriving from northern districts are forced to travel past the airport to Ernakulam Town. "Commuters currently have to travel nearly 35km from Ernakulam North to reach the airport. This stop will save significant time and travel costs," said P Krishnakumar, a member of Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee. While the approval is finalized, the specific schedule is still being processed. A railway spokesperson confirmed that a formal notification will be issued shortly, detailing the date of introduction and the specific stoppage timings for both the up and down lines. For residents of Aluva and air travellers alike, this development marks a long-awaited upgrade to the region's transport connectivity. "Most trains halt at Aluva, which is a primary gateway to the airport, popular hill stations like Munnar, and northern parts of the Kochi metropolitan area. We are happy that our long demand for a halt for Jan Shatabdi Express has been finally granted," said Saby V Bastian, a former councillor. Interestingly, Kozhikode-Thiruvananthapuram Jan Shatabdi Express (12075/12076) via Alappuzha already has a stop at Aluva.