Pune Malayalees Highlight Travel Challenges, Demand Daily Kerala Train Service

Pune, 22nd December 2024: Malayalee associations in Pune have launched a campaign demanding better train connectivity between Pune and Kerala, citing the struggles of over five lakh Keralites residing in the city. The online campaign, which began earlier this week, has gained momentum as residents share their grievances about the lack of convenient and efficient travel options.

“The Kanyakumari Express takes an exhausting 33 hours to reach Trivandrum from Pune, while the Pune-Ernakulam Superfast Train, which takes 24 hours, runs only twice a week and is always overbooked,” explained a member of the association.

To address these issues, the associations have written to the Railway Divisional Manager, requesting that the Pune-Ernakulam Superfast be made a daily service and its route extended to Trivandrum. They have also suggested introducing faster alternatives such as the Duronto Express or the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train.

Arun Kumar, who spearheaded an online petition, emphasized the urgency of the issue. “Traveling for over 33 hours to Trivandrum is unreasonable in today’s era of high-speed railways. Malayalees in Pune feel neglected, and the railways must address this disparity,” he said.

The campaign has caught the attention of railway authorities who said that the demands are currently under discussion.

Residents have also highlighted the lack of air connectivity between Pune and Kerala, adding to their travel woes.