Thiruvananthapuram Division of the Southern Railway is implementing several passenger-focused initiatives to improve train travel experience for passengers. To meet growing passenger demand, major trains have been permanently augmented with additional coaches. Strategically identifying peak travel periods, coaches were temporarily added to popular trains during the festive/summer season. Major long-distance trains are being upgraded with modern LHB coaches and the upgraded trains were standardised with four general unreserved coaches. These changes have increased seat availability, improved passenger comfort, and reduced waiting lists.
Simultaneously, station upgrade projects have been speeded up to provide modern facilities and better amenities. The division is also prioritizing efforts to reduce traffic delays across the railway network.
Accommodation Increased for all Vande Bharat Services
All the Vande Bharat train services in the division are operating with more than 150% occupancy ensuring faster and most comfortable travel with modern amenities. The seating capacity for these trains are subjected to significant increase, ranging from 25% to 100%, ensuring accommodation for thousands of additional passengers daily:
• Train 20634/20633 Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod-Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat became the first service to receive a 25% additional seating capacity, while its coaches increased from 16 to 20, effective 10th January, 2025.
• Train 20628/20627 Chennai-Nagercoil-Chennai Vande Bharat was similarly upgraded from 16 to 20 coaches, effective 8th May, 2025.
• Train 20631/20632 Mangalore-Thiruvananthapuram-Mangalore Vande Bharat service experienced the most significant expansion, doubling coaches from 8 to 16, effective 22nd May, 2025.
Permanent Coach Augmentation
Between April 2024 and May 2025, nine major express trains received additional coaches, including popular services such as Parasuram and Palaruvi Express, as well as trains serving metropolitan destinations including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore, and important pilgrimage centers like Velankanni, Guruvayur, and Madurai. The Vanchinad Express augmentation is planned for next.
The following highly patronised passenger trains serving daily commuters are enhanced from 12 to 14 coaches between May 20-22, 2025:
1) Tr. No. 16326 Kottayam – Nilambur, 2) Tr. No. 16325 Nilambur – Kottayam 3) Tr. No. 56302 Kollam-Alappuzha 3) Tr. No. 56301 Alappuzha – Kollam 4) Tr. No. 16366 Nagercoil – Kottayam, 5) Tr. No. 56311 Kottayam-Kollam 6) Tr. No. 56307 Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram 7) Tr. No. 56308 Thruvananthapuram – Nagercoil
Temporary Augmentation
The period from December 2024 to May 2025 witnessed the highest level of temporary augmentation, with 31 train pairs augmented across 1,023 trips to meet peak travel demand.
LHB Coach Standardization
All 15 LHB train pairs were standardized with four Second Class General Coaches during November-December 2024, ensuring consistent and improved travel options for short distance passengers.
New Amrit Stations
Two new Amrit Stations—Chirayinkeezh and Kulitturai—were inaugurated by the Honorable Prime Minister via video conference on 22nd May 2025. These stations now feature comprehensive modern amenities including improved waiting areas, aesthetic exteriors and interiors, modern signages, coach indication and lighting systems, as well as advanced safety features.
Five additional stations across the division are nearing completion and will soon be inaugurated with state-of-the-art facilities, bringing world-class infrastructure closer to more communities throughout the region.
Thiruvananthapuram Central: Platform Extension Project
The long-standing problem of platform congestion at Thiruvananthapuram Central, which has caused train delays, is being addressed by extending Platform No. 2. This platform was short as it had the ARME (Accident Relief Medical Equipment) facility and therefore could not accommodate full-length trains, making it unusable during high traffic periods when all the platforms are needed.
To improve the operational capacity of Thiruvananthapuram Central station, the ARME facility is being moved to a new location, and Platform No. 2 is getting extended to its full length. This important project is now in its final stages. Once completed, trains will arrive and depart on time at Thiruvananthapuram Central without delays caused by platform congestion.
Passenger-Centric Approach
These comprehensive improvements are based on constant analysis of actual passenger requirements and feedback, supported by continuous monitoring of demand patterns. The division remains committed to implementing major improvements where they are needed most, with the primary objective of ensuring every passenger enjoys a comfortable, safe, and punctual journey.
