Kochi: The over two decades’ wait for a double track in the Kayankulam-Ernakulam sector came to an end with the chugging of Palaruvi Express through the newly laid track from Ettumanoor to Chingavanam.
The Palakkad -Tirunelveli train was given a warm send off from Ettumanoor station and it was given a grand welcome at Kottayam station for becoming the first train to arrive through the new track.
Top Railway officials saw off the train from Kottayam to pass through the new rail to reach Chingavanam station.
The nod for the Kayamkulam-Ernakulam second track was given in 2001.
It took over 21 years for the railways to complete the project due to various factors like the failure of the state government to acquire land for the project.
TVC-Ernakulam double track opens
