Kochi: In order to hasten track renewal work, Southern Railway has decided to cancel all passenger trains with low occupancy running on Sundays for the next one month. “On Sundays, most of the passenger trains are having low occupancy. Hence all those trains with an occupancy rate below 30 per cent will be cancelled for the next five Sundays so that major track renewal works can be taken up during the day too,” said Ajay Kaushik, senior divisional commercial manager, Thiruvananthapuram Division.
A total of 14 passenger trains will be cancelled on June 24, July 1, 8, 15 and 22 to enforce line blocks to facilitate the safety related works. The railways aim to complete the remaining 210 km of track renewal works in the next one year when the train services would return to normalcy. Currently most of the trains are running behind schedule. “However, the situation will substantially improve after six months when the works in major sections will be over,” the official said.
Meanwhile, the Thiruvananthapuram division has sought more high-powered WAP-7 loco-engines following the success of using them in Venad Express. “The modern engine is suitable for quick acceleration and deceleration. Hence, the same is suited for those trains having more stoppages. Already we are experimenting such engines in Venad and Vanchinad Express trains. The punctuality of these trains improved. In another week, we’re planning to deploy the engine in Parasuram Express too,” the official said.
