Title - Sleeper coaches for Punalur-Guruvayur train likely

Kochi: The newly-launched Punalur-Guruvayur fast passenger train service is a hit among passengers and the railways is considering a proposal to introduce two sleeper coaches in the daily train running at peak hour.

“The Madurai divisional railway manager has forwarded the proposal to the Southern Railway headquarters, Chennai. The Railway Board is likely to give its nod soon. Already, the Madurai-Kollam passenger has the reservation facility,” said Kodikunnil Suresh MP, who played a significant role in including the train in the last budget and starting its operation early.

The initiative was taken in the wake of many enquiries, particularly from elderly people, travelling to  Guruvayur. The timing is convenient for devotees to avoid overnight stay and is useful for office-goers.

The train covers the Thrissur-Kottayam stretch in the morning peak hour, said Suresh, who is also the minister of state for labour.

The train covers 294.6 km  and has 27 halts. Train No 56366 Punalur-Guruvayur  departs at 5.30 p.m. and arrives at the destination at 2.15 a.m. Similarly, Train No 56365 Guruvayur-Punalur  departs from Guruvayur at 6 a.m. and reaches the destination at 2.30 p.m.