The Thiruvananthapuram–Kozhikode Jan Shatabdi Express is set to lose its superfast classification in January, raising concerns that the train could face longer delays and lower priority on Kerala’s congested rail network. Commuters are also objecting to proposed timing changes linked to the extension of the Kottayam–Kollam MEMU to Ernakulam Junction, saying the move could disrupt a crucial evening service.
The Jan Shatabdi is used by passengers travelling between cities for work, education and other daily needs. Commuters fear that the removal of the superfast tag could result in more en-route detentions, particularly on the single-line Ambalapuzha–Ernakulam stretch, where trains may have to be held to allow other services to pass.
The proposed change has triggered criticism on social media, with passengers describing the Jan Shatabdi as a lifeline for daily travellers. Although the fare is expected to fall marginally after the classification change, commuters say the priority should be to improve speeds and reduce journey times across the state rather than downgrade an existing service.
“Passengers travelling by the Jan Shatabdi stand to lose. At the same time, the superfast tag has served little purpose, as the train’s speed has neither increased nor has its travel time decreased,” Liyons J of Friends on Rails was quoted as saying. He also said the train currently has considerable buffer time between stations, which already slows its journey, and commuters fear that this buffer could increase after the superfast classification is removed.
The second concern involves the Kottayam–Kollam MEMU, whose proposed extension to Ernakulam is expected to alter its operating schedule. Commuters say the revised timing would make the service less useful for passengers travelling from Kottayam to Kollam in the evening after work and classes.
A petition to the railway ministry said the train has served for decades as an essential evening service for thousands of daily passengers, including government employees, office staff and students. Employees of the Kottayam collectorate, Mahatma Gandhi University, Medical College Hospital and other institutions were specifically identified as regular users. The petition said there is no convenient alternative train after the service operating at around 3.30pm until the MEMU.
J Jeyan, a commuter, questioned the proposed downgrade, saying it was surprising that the railways wanted to change the classification of a service that had been serving passengers well. Liyons said commuters did not oppose extending the MEMU to Ernakulam Junction, but argued that the extension should not be implemented at the expense of passengers who depend on its existing Kottayam–Kollam schedule.
The concerns centre on how changes to train classification, line priority and operating timings will affect passengers on a rail corridor where capacity constraints already influence journey reliability. The proposed changes are expected to take effect in January, with commuters seeking a review of both the Jan Shatabdi classification and the MEMU timetable before implementation.
