NE RAILWAY BUREAU
NAGERCOIL, AUG. 10
While applauding the Thiruvananthapuram Division of Southern Railway for embracing digital technology to improve passenger convenience, the Kanyakumari District Railway Users’ Association (KKDRUA) has urged the Railway administration to ensure that the benefits of modern infrastructure reach all deserving stations. In a detailed representation, the Association has sought the immediate installation of Digital Coach Indication Boards at six high-earning stations, contending that thousands of passengers continue to face unnecessary hardship despite these stations generating significantly higher revenue than some already equipped with the facility.
- KKDRUA lauds Thiruvananthapuram Division for modern passenger amenities at Kulitturai and Neyyattinkara, seeks equitable rollout across key stations
- Memorandum highlights that Kanniyakumari, Valliyur, Nagercoil Town, Eraniel, Parassala and Nanguneri generate higher earnings and handle heavier passenger traffic
- Association says absence of digital coach indication boards causes avoidable inconvenience and fuels perception of regional disparity
- Urges Railway authorities to prioritise installation on all platforms to enhance passenger convenience, operational efficiency and equitable infrastructure development
In a memorandum addressed to the Railway authorities, P. Edward Jeni, General Secretary, KKDRUA, conveyed appreciation for the installation of Digital Coach Indication Boards on all platforms at Kulitturai (KZT) and Neyyattinkara (NYY) stations.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the Thiruvananthapuram Division authorities for installing excellent Digital Coach Indication Boards at Kulitturai and Neyyattinkara stations on all platforms. Upgrading passenger amenities at these stations is a commendable step.”
However, the Association pointed out what it described as a significant imbalance in the allocation of modern passenger amenities across the division.
The memorandum notes that Kanniyakumari (NSG-4 Category) ranks 13th in divisional earnings but is yet to receive Digital Coach Indication Boards.
Similarly, Valliyur, Nagercoil Town, Eraniel and Parassala (all NSG-5 Category stations) reportedly generate higher revenue than Neyyattinkara, which is ranked 33rd in divisional earnings, but continue to remain without the digital passenger guidance system.
The Association further highlighted that Nanguneri, ranked 36th in divisional earnings and serving a substantial number of daily commuters, has also been left out despite its growing passenger importance.
According to KKDRUA, the absence of Digital Coach Indication Boards at these busy stations creates avoidable inconvenience for passengers, particularly senior citizens, women, differently abled travellers and families carrying luggage, who often have to rush along platforms searching for their respective coaches after train arrivals.
“The absence of digital coach guidance at these high-earning stations causes severe inconvenience to passengers and reinforces a growing perception of regional discrimination among the local public.”
The Association urged the Railway administration to ensure balanced infrastructure development by extending the facility to deserving stations without delay.
“To ensure equitable development and improved passenger convenience, we urge the division to take immediate action on a priority basis to install Digital Coach Indication Boards at Kanniyakumari, Valliyur, Nagercoil Town, Eraniel, Parassala and Nanguneri railway stations on all platforms.”
The memorandum emphasises that Digital Coach Indication Boards have become an essential passenger amenity in modern railway stations, enabling commuters to identify the exact location of reserved coaches well before train arrival, thereby reducing platform congestion, improving safety and ensuring smoother boarding.
With passenger volumes steadily increasing across the southern railway corridor, the Association expressed hope that the Thiruvananthapuram Division would positively consider the representation and extend the digital facility to all major revenue-generating stations in the region.
