Kozhikode–Palakkad Line Set For New Special Train Service

25 Jun 2025 CW Team

Rail passengers on the Kozhikode–Palakkad corridor could soon benefit from a new train, after Southern Railway approved a proposal from the Palakkad division to extend the existing Mangaluru–Kozhikode service to Palakkad. The extension will initially operate as a special train, allowing performance and demand to be assessed before permanent status is considered.

Both the operations and commercial wings of Southern Railway have endorsed the plan; a formal notification is expected once the general manager grants final clearance. Special services typically run for a defined period and, if successful, become regular fixtures on the timetable.

Commuters on the busy route have long called for better connectivity, citing overcrowding and limited scheduling options. Local Members of Parliament from Palakkad, Malappuram and Kozhikode have repeatedly pressed railway authorities to introduce additional trains, raising the matter at recent stakeholder meetings.

Last year, a similar special service between Shoranur and Kannur proved popular and was eventually extended, providing a model for the new Kozhikode–Palakkad link. Once launched, the service is expected to ease congestion, improve travel times and offer much-needed flexibility for daily travellers in northern Kerala.

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