Railways terminates Kannur-Byndoor passenger

Kozhikode: Railway has shown a red flag to the Kannur-Mookambika Road Byndoor passenger (56665/56666) train citing a revenue loss. The train which started as a commuter train between Kasargod and Byndoor stations in February 2015 was later extended up to Kannur on July 22.

The train was regulated between Kannur and Mangalore Junction for a month due to maintenance on the Padeel-Jokata stretch in Karnataka.

Later, railway notified that the train service had been terminated. However, complaints are pouring in that the odd timing of the train caused the revenue loss.

“The railways had terminated 12 trains under Palakkad division, including few extension services due to revenue loss,” says Palakkad additional divisional railway manager (ADRM) T. Rajkumar.

He didn’t respond to the allegation that Railway’s failure to change timings signalled its death knell.

It was a direct train to the famous pilgrimage centre of Kollur Mookambika temple. The daily train sets off at 4.15 am from Kannur and reaches Byndoor at 11.50 am. Return service commences at 1.05 pm and reaches Kannur at 8.55 pm.

“It was repeatedly pointed out that unless the drastic revenue loss is not managed, the train would be terminated,” said a top railway official, requesting anonymity.

According to sources at Kannur railway station, only less than 30 commuters board the train on working days from the terminal point.

“On Saturdays and Sundays, the number will reach 45. On an average we are getting Rs 1,000 as passenger fare on regular days and up to '1,300 on weekends,” he said.

Meanwhile, AIYF has called a protest against the decision.