Fri May 16 14:55:13 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**MP Urges Southern Railways to Halt Express Trains at Kavalkinaru After Community Investment**

**TIRUNELVELI, May 16, 2025** – Member of Parliament C. Robert Bruce has formally requested Southern Railways to ensure the stoppage of four express trains at Kavalkinaru railway station, located near the Mahendragiri ISRO Propulsion Research Complex in Tirunelveli district. The plea comes after local residents contributed over ₹17 lakh towards the renovation and redevelopment of the station.

In a memorandum submitted to Southern Railways General Manager R.N. Singh, Mr. Bruce highlighted that the Kavalkinaru station was inexplicably closed years ago. He emphasized that residents of Mahendragiri, Kavalkinaru, and surrounding areas heavily rely on the station for travel, especially to Mumbai and other parts of the country. The Southern Railways had previously conditioned the station’s reopening and redevelopment on a community contribution, which the residents fulfilled.

Despite the substantial investment, only a local train currently stops at Kavalkinaru. Mr. Bruce is advocating for stoppages for express trains like the Guruvayoor – Chennai, Nagercoil – Chennai Antyodaya, Chennai Egmore – Thiruvananthapuram Ananthapuri Express, and Nagercoil – Coimbatore Express.

In addition, Mr. Bruce is pressing for stoppages at Valliyoor station, located between Tirunelveli and Nagercoil, for trains like the Thirukkural Superfast, Howrah – Cape Superfast, Nagercoil – MGR Central (weekly), Nagercoil – Chennai Egmore (weekly), Punalur – Madurai, and Chennai – Nagercoil – Chennai Vande Bharat Express.

The MP also criticized the Southern Railways’ decision to cancel train stoppages in the Tirunelveli – Nagercoil and Tirunelveli – Shencottai sections following the COVID-19 lockdown, demanding their immediate reinstatement.

Mr. Bruce also addressed unfulfilled promises by Thiruvananthapuram Division officials. He stated that promises made four months ago to provide water to toilets and install sufficient lighting at Kavalkinaru station remain unmet. He further called for the provision of drinking water, an escalator, and roofing for the platforms at Valliyoor railway station. He expressed concern about railway board policies that seem to treat Kerala differently than other states when it comes to providing rail service.

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