Hard time for railway users in Kozhikode

Kozhikode: The trains running late after the derailing at Karukutty near Kochi continues to haunt commuters as there are speed restrictions in 63 trouble spots on the track forcing them to find alternatives. The government and private sector employees have already opted for buses and taxis while many long-distance commuters temporarily stay near their offices. Sridevi Ramachandran, an accountant, says almost all the trains are running late by one to three hours.

“None would allow employees to report late,” she told DC. "Most of my fellow passengers have already switched over to bus services but season ticket holders are the most affected." Ranjini Gopal of Thrissur said due to long delay she had to alight and catch a bus to reach her office in time. “It is a tough time for all of us depending on trains,” she told DC.

The Confederation of All India Rail Users’ Association working chairperson C.E. Chakkunny said it had been warning the railways on the dangerous condition of the tracks and compartments for the last many years. "We had submitted a report on the hapless situation on tracks, bridges and compartments way back in 2013," he said. Mr Chakkunny also fears that the railways could withdraw all high-speed trains including Duronto, Jan Shatabdi and Rajdhani from the region citing the speed restrictions. “We are afraid that the railway in Malabar would face the same plight of Karipur airport,” he said.