Kerala Rail Network Undergoes Vital Upgrade: Major Train Diversions Announced for Alappuzha Route

Passengers planning rail travel through Kerala on September 20, 2023, should prepare for significant route adjustments as Indian Railways undertakes vital infrastructure upgrades. To facilitate the crucial track doubling work in the Ambalappuzha-Haripad section, several key train services traversing the picturesque Alappuzha coastal route will be temporarily diverted via the inland Kottayam route.

This essential developmental work aims to enhance the efficiency and capacity of Kerala’s railway network, promising smoother and faster journeys in the long run.

While these diversions are temporary, they are critical for the timely completion of the project, which will ultimately benefit countless commuters and freight operations.

Travelers accustomed to the scenic Alappuzha route on the following trains are advised to take note of the new itinerary and additional stops for Wednesday, September 20:

• Train No.

  16346 Thiruvananthapuram Central - Mangaluru Central Express: This popular service, normally gracing the coastal stretch, will be rerouted via Kottayam. Passengers can expect additional convenient stops at Chengannur, Tiruvalla, Kottayam, and Ernakulam Town, allowing access to these significant urban centers.

• Train No.

  16345 Mangaluru Central - Thiruvananthapuram Central Express: In the return direction, this express will also follow the Kottayam bypass. Key additional halts will include Ernakulam Town, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, and Chengannur, maintaining connectivity for passengers along this revised corridor.

• Train No.

  16127 Chennai Egmore - Guruvayur Express: For those journeying from Tamil Nadu into Kerala, this express will similarly be diverted via Kottayam. The revised route will incorporate stops at Chengannur, Tiruvalla, Kottayam, and Ernakulam Town, offering alternative boarding and alighting points.

• Train No.

  16128 Guruvayur - Chennai Egmore Express: Completing the set of diverted services, this train will also navigate through Kottayam. Its modified schedule will include stops at Ernakulam Town, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, and Chengannur, ensuring vital connectivity for travelers heading east.

Passengers who typically utilize these services for destinations such as Alappuzha, Cherthala, or other stations along the coastal stretch between Ambalappuzha and Haripad on September 20th will find their journey affected.

It is highly recommended to verify the latest train schedules and platform information through official railway channels or reputable railway apps before commencing travel. While the diversions are a temporary inconvenience, they underscore the ongoing commitment to modernizing and strengthening Kerala's vital rail infrastructure for a more efficient future.