K.C. Venugopal, MP, has urged Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw to run more special trains to Kerala during the Onam festive season. Mr. Venugopal, who is also the All India Congress Committee general secretary, held discussions with Mr. Vaishnaw on Friday during which he pointed out that the services sanctioned so far were inadequate.

He sought urgent sanction of additional trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru to major railway stations in the State on August 23 and 24.

Seats on regular trains from major cities to Kerala were full, with even waiting-list tickets not available on several trains. This was making it difficult for workers, students, and families living outside Kerala to return to the State for Onam and resulting in severe hardship during travel. Mr. Venugopal remined Mr. Vaishnaw that the matter had been brought to the attention of the Railway Ministry many times.

Published - August 14, 2026 10:36 pm IST