Thiruvananthapuram | May 29, 2025 — Responding to strong community opposition and political appeals, the Indian Railways has reversed its decision to close down the Chirakkal railway station in Kannur and the Vellarakkad station in Kozhikode.
The move comes after widespread protests from local commuters, civic bodies, and state officials who voiced concern over the inconvenience caused by the proposed closures. Both stations have been granted continued operation as halt stations, safeguarding essential last-mile rail connectivity for local residents.
🗣️ Community Voices Heard
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw officially confirmed the decision following intervention by BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar. The announcement was met with widespread relief, particularly among students, daily wage workers, and elderly commuters who rely on these stations for affordable travel.
🏛️ State-Level Advocacy
Kerala’s Minister in charge of Railways, V. Abdurahiman, had previously written to the Centre urging the retention of both stations. He cited their significant social utility and called the closure plan “regressive” and “detrimental to grassroots accessibility.”
🧾 Background
The stations were initially considered for closure due to low ticket sales and operational costs. However, the public outcry reflected the social and economic importance of these smaller, local stations, ultimately influencing the reversal.
📝 Credits:
- Sources:
⚠️ Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational and editorial purposes only. While every effort has been made to verify the facts, readers are encouraged to consult official notifications from Indian Railways or local authorities for the most current updates.
