Maintenance works to hit train service on Shoranur route

(The Hindu dt 13-9-2013)
Malappuram: Railways will cancel 70 train services via Shoranur for three weeks from September 25 to complete long-pending maintenance works. All express trains passing through this route would be rescheduled or cancelled during this period and an official decision is expected over the next few days said senior divisional manager (operations) of Palakkad, V C Sudheesh, adding that the work will be completed in two phases. 
    Non-interlocking works such as doubling of tracks between Karakkad and Shoranur, renovation of 2nd and 4th platforms and the work on the 7th platform, yard renovation works and the shifting of crossing points would be carried in 22 days. Modern electrical signal system would be completely stopped during these works. 
    Thiruvananthapuram-Kannur Jan Shatabdi (via Alappuzha)/12082 that starts at 6am will wind up its journey at Thrissur station at 10.30 am and return later in the day. The Kannur-Coimbatore Express, Mangalore Coimbatore Express and Ernad Express trains will wind up their journey at Pallippuram station near Pattambi. All 12 passenger services from Nilambur would end their journey at Angadippuram station. 
    “Pre-NI works would be finished in the first 11 days and the rest during phase two. Railways will issue a detailed notice regarding rescheduled train services in advance so that passengers are able to reschedule their journey plans,” he said adding that the works would be completed in timebound manner. 
    Sudheesh added that similar works were recently carried out in Pothannur junction in Tamil Nadu and passenger trains were diverted during the period. 
    General secretary of Nilambur Rail Action Council said that such works are necessary to resolve the signal and traffic issue at Shoranur and the passengers organizations would hopefully cooperate with the works. “Many such works are still pending in Kerala fearing strong public protest against the rescheduling of trains for a long period. But people should realize that such works are being done for their own benefit,” he said. 
PASSENGERS IN TROUBLE 
    Railways to temporarily cancel 70 trains via Shoranur, all express trains passing through the station to be rescheduled or cancelled 
    Tvm -Kannur Jan Shatabdi 
(12082) will wind up its journey at Thrissur station 
    Kannur-Coimbatore Express, Mangalore Coimbatore Express and Ernad Express trains will wind up their journey at Pallippuram 
    Long distance trains such as Dhanbad Express, Ahilyanagari Express and Gorakhpur Express will not stop at Shoranur 
    All 12 passenger services from Nilambur would end their journey at Angadippuram station

(T P Nijish, Times of India dt 5-9-2013)