For the first time, Kottayam to be converted in to a terminus for long hauling trains. Right now there is no Long Haul trains/Reservation Trains Originate or Terminate at Kottayam. Only 2 Unreserved Express and few Passenger service operated from Kottayam.
Poorna Express & Pune Ernakulam SF to be extended till Kottayam in order to de contest Ernakulam and thereby dully skips Ernakulam Junction.
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But why Southern Railway didn't consider Alappuzha which already has a Pitline for maintenance & even didn't need to skip Ernakulam Junction.