Tue Jun 24 09:36:24 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

A new decision by the Railways to extend short-distance trains arriving in Kannur, Kerala to Palakkad instead of Kasaragod has triggered protests in north Malabar. Rail users feel ignored, as the Shoranur-Kannur Special ToD Express, a much-needed service extension to Kasaragod or Manjeswaram, has been diverted to Palakkad. Passengers in northern Kerala face limited travel options and criticize the lack of action from the Kasaragod MP compared to other districts’ representatives. They demand the Kasaragod MP lead a campaign to extend the Shoranur-Kannur Express northward. The association also called upon Kasaragod’s MLAs and other public representatives to step in and press the Railways to prioritize the connectivity needs of the district.

**News Article:**

**Rail Decision Sparks Protests in North Malabar Over Kasaragod Connectivity**

**KASARAGOD, June 24, 2025** – A wave of protests is sweeping across north Malabar following a recent Railways decision to extend short-distance trains arriving in Kannur to Palakkad instead of Kasaragod. Passengers claim their long-standing demands for improved rail connectivity in the region are being ignored.

The Shoranur-Kannur Special ToD Express, a service frequently requested to be extended northwards to Kasaragod or Manjeswaram, will now be diverted eastward to Palakkad. The service began on July 2 and will run daily except for saturdays when it will terminate at Shoranur.

“This is a major setback for commuters in Kasaragod,” stated Nisar Peruvad, coordinator of the Kasaragod Rail Passengers Association. “Currently, there are no direct daily trains from Kozhikode to Kasaragod after 5.10 p.m., leaving passengers stranded for hours.”

The Association is particularly critical of the decision to divert the Shoranur-Kannur Express, which they view as a key link for north Malabar. They also accuse the Kasaragod MP of insufficient advocacy compared to representatives from other districts who have successfully lobbied for improved rail services in their areas.

“While there are multiple demands to extend services northward from Kannur, especially the Shoranur-Kannur Express, this sudden diversion to Palakkad shows a clear disregard for the needs of north Malabar,” he added.

Passengers are calling on the Kasaragod MP to lead a mass campaign advocating for the extension of the Shoranur-Kannur Express to Kasaragod. They are also urging local MLAs and other public figures to pressure the Railways to prioritize the district’s connectivity needs.

“There is only one passenger train service from Kannur to Mangaluru via Kasaragod,” said Prashant Kumar. “That’s simply not enough.” He emphasized the stalled progress of the approved Coimbatore-Kannur Express extension to Mangaluru.

The protests highlight growing frustration over perceived neglect of rail infrastructure in north Malabar, with residents determined to fight for better connectivity.

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