MP Pushes for Special Trains to Relieve Commuter Chaos in Kerala

On August 20, 2025, Benny Behanan, a Member of Parliament (MP), has taken action to address the severe traffic chaos caused by ongoing underpass works in several Kerala towns. Meeting with the Union Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh Bittu, in New Delhi, Behanan submitted a memorandum highlighting the gridlock situation in Amballur, Perambra, Muringoor, Koratty, and Chirangara.

The incomplete state of service roads has exacerbated the problem, leading to hours-long traffic jams that have stranded thousands of students, workers, and patients. Even airport-bound passengers are struggling to reach their destinations on time. To provide immediate relief, Behanan has suggested running special train services between Ernakulam and Thrissur or adding extra coaches to existing passenger trains during peak hours.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has delivered a "historic judgment in favor of the people" by dismissing the appeal filed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) against the temporary suspension of toll collection at Paliyekkara. Thrissur District Congress Committee president Joseph Tajet, who was a petitioner in the Kerala High Court, has expressed his satisfaction with the verdict, stating that every point raised has been upheld by the apex court.

Tajet has urged the state government to take a strong stand against the toll company when the High Court takes up the case again after four weeks, emphasizing that the public should not continue to suffer due to the company's repeated violations.