Kochi: The Southern Railway will conduct a passenger survey across Thiruvananthapuram division to assess the patronage of trains and take key decisions pertaining to train operations.
"The survey will be done on July 8 and 9 with the help of National Service Scheme student volunteers and the commercial department supervisors of the division.
The exercise aims to assess the features for improving the services of trains relied upon by daily commuters," said a senior railway official.
The study result will be used to factor in decisions like introduction of additional halts and taking away existing stoppages in respect of peak hour trains.
"It will focus on sections witnessing higher passenger traffic during morning and evening peak hours. We'll consider whether some existing halts can be done away with so that key trains like Venad, Parasuram or Malabar Express could reach destinations a little faster," the official said.
Another factor to be assessed will be the scope for introduction of new MEMU train service.
The division is set to get a new rake in a couple of months.
"Other factors like most popular trains, cleanliness, punctuality and passenger amenities will be assessed during the survey," the official said.
Meanwhile, the passengers are already upset over 'frequent' late running of peak hour trains.
"The maximum number of office-goers depend on the Thiruvananthapuram-Shornur Venad Express. But the train regularly runs late. It often reaches Kollam after 6.35 a.m. and Kottayam after 8.50 a.m. The Parasuram Express too is held up en-route citing operational reasons and reaches Kottayam after 10 a.m. on most days," said J. Liyons, secretary, 'Friends on Rails.'
