Thu Jul 24 13:47:58 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a news article based on it:
**Summary:**
Members of the Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee in northern Kerala are protesting the Southern Railway’s delay in approving new local trains under the Palakkad division. They claim the railway is ignoring passenger demands by highlighting the extension of existing services instead of introducing new ones. Specifically, they cite the cancellation of two afternoon passenger trains from Shoranur to Kozhikode as a major inconvenience that needs to be addressed. Local rail users are also unhappy with the delay. Railway sources claim to be aware of the issue, citing technical and operational reasons for the cancellations and suggesting a resolution is forthcoming.
**News Article:**
**Railway Committee Slams Delay in New Local Trains for Northern Kerala**
**Kozhikode, Kerala – July 24, 2025** – Members of the Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee (DRUCC) representing northern Kerala districts have voiced strong opposition to the Southern Railway’s slow pace in approving new local train services under the Palakkad division.
Citing passenger complaints, DRUCC members Ummer Ottummal and Abdul Rahman Vallikkunnu issued a joint statement criticizing the railway authorities for downplaying the need for additional trains. They allege that the recent extension of a few existing services is being used as a smokescreen to avoid addressing the growing demand for new local train connections.
A key point of contention is the continued cancellation of two passenger trains from Shoranur to Kozhikode departing after 4 p.m. The DRUCC members stated that despite bringing the matter to the railway’s attention, no action has been taken, severely disrupting travel for regular commuters in the Malabar region.
“The delay in restoring these services has created significant hardship for passengers,” stated Vallikkunnu. “There is a clear need for at least one or two passenger trains from Shoranur to Kozhikode to cater to the needs of local travelers.”
Local rail users’ associations have echoed these concerns, expressing frustration with the “inordinate delay” in considering the passengers’ well-documented demands.
While railway sources acknowledged the public complaints, they cited both technical and operational reasons for the cancellation of the trains. However, they assured that the matter has been brought to the attention of higher authorities and a resolution is expected in the near future. The situation is being closely monitored as commuters await improvements to local rail services in the region.