KANNUR: The Kannur-Mookambika road Byndoor passenger tops the list of trains making revenue loss in terms of passenger fare under the Palakkad division. The train which started as a passenger train between Kasargod and Byndoor stations in February 2015 was extended up to Kannur on July 22 last year.
“Unless the drastic revenue loss is not managed, the train is on the brink of withdrawal. The Union Railway ministry is for calling off such huge loss making trains,” said a top railway official, requesting anonymity. According to Shailendran, Kannur railway station manager, only less than 30 commuters board the train on working days from the terminal point.
“On Saturdays and Sundays, the number reaches 45. On an average, we are get Rs 1,000 as passenger fare on regular days and up to Rs 1,300 on week days,” he said. The schedule is being seen as the impediment in attracting commuters. Service starts at 4.15 a.m from Kannur and reaches Byndoor by 11.40 a.m. The same train (56666) returns by 1.05 p.m and reaches Kannur at 8.55 p.m. “The train timing is not beneficial to season ticket travelers who contribute the major share of passenger revenue for a passenger train,” pointed out Zonal railway users’ consultative committee member R. Prashanth Kumar.
There was a suggestion before the Railways to extend the train to another pilgrim centre, Guruvayur. But the proposal was rejected as it would require the introduction of a pair train. Meanwhile, Railway passenger associations in Mangalore have sought to extend the train up to Subramanyapura to cater to their needs.
