Kerala is finally gearing up to welcome its first double-decker train service, with Indian Railways preparing to extend a high-capacity train into the state via Palakkad. This significant move is expected to address a long-standing gap in Kerala’s railway network, as the state currently remains the only major one in South India without a double-decker train.
Southern Railway officials have confirmed that the likely option is to extend the fully air-conditioned KSR Bengaluru–Coimbatore Uday Express to Palakkad. The proposal is under technical review, following a successful trial run on the Coimbatore–Palakkad track in April last year. The test, which featured two double-decker coaches among four total compartments, assessed the track’s ability to handle the train’s height and weight.
One of the biggest hurdles for running double-decker trains in Kerala has been infrastructure—especially low-clearance road bridges around key railway junctions such as Vallathol Nagar and Shoranur. Previous plans were shelved due to the high cost of modifying or rebuilding these structures.
However, the Palakkad route stands out as a practical and less infrastructure-heavy entry point. It offers a way forward for Kerala to adopt high-density, comfortable, and eco-friendly rail travel without massive reconstruction.
Southern Railway had also previously studied other routes, like the Madurai–Thiruvananthapuram corridor, but those plans were dropped due to similar clearance issues. The current focus now also includes evaluating the extension of the Madurai–Pollachi service to Palakkad.
The introduction of double-decker trains is not just about seating capacity. These trains are fully electric, air-conditioned, and energy-efficient—supporting Indian Railways’ goals of sustainability and reduced emissions. For Kerala, this development signifies more than just connectivity; it’s a step toward equitable, green urban transport.
Experts believe that if the public response is positive, more such services could be rolled out across central and southern Kerala, possibly triggering a broader wave of station upgrades and railway infrastructure modernization in the state.
As approval processes move forward, residents of Palakkad and the wider Malabar region are on the cusp of experiencing a new era in passenger rail—combining comfort, convenience, and environmental consciousness.
