Kerala is on track to enter India’s double-decker rail network, with Indian Railways preparing to introduce the state’s first such service. The proposal aims to extend an existing double-decker train from Tamil Nadu to Palakkad, marking a significant development in inter-state rail connectivity. This move will eliminate Kerala’s current distinction as the only major South Indian state without a double-decker passenger service.
Proposed Extension of Uday Express
Southern Railway officials have indicated that the likely option is to extend the KSR Bengaluru–Coimbatore Uday Express—a fully air-conditioned, double-decker chair car service—into Palakkad. A final decision will depend on technical assessments and the outcome of a trial run conducted on the Coimbatore–Palakkad route in April 2024. That test involved four coaches, including two double-decker compartments, and focused on evaluating track strength, height clearances, and operational feasibility.
Infrastructure Challenges Delayed Earlier Proposals
Kerala’s exclusion from the double-decker network has largely been due to infrastructure limitations, such as low-clearance bridges that are incompatible with the height of double-decker coaches. Key junctions like Vallathol Nagar and Shoranur were identified as problematic. Previous proposals, including one for a Madurai–Thiruvananthapuram corridor, were shelved due to the high cost of retrofitting or rebuilding these structures.
Palakkad Route Considered Feasible
The Palakkad route has emerged as a viable entry point due to its relatively minimal structural constraints. Southern Railway is also exploring the potential extension of the Madurai–Pollachi train through Dindigul to Palakkad. Since the existing Coimbatore–Palakkad track has already been deemed suitable for double-decker operations, railway officials believe the service can help ease congestion and enhance comfort on this high-demand route.
Sustainable and Modern Rail Travel
Beyond addressing passenger demand, the proposed double-decker train aligns with Indian Railways’ goal of promoting electric, energy-efficient transit systems. The coaches are fully air-conditioned and optimized for sustainability, supporting the broader objective of reducing emissions while increasing transport capacity.
Potential for Further Expansion and Upgrades
Experts in transport and urban planning view this development as a step toward broader infrastructure upgrades in Kerala. A successful launch could lead to station modernization and additional double-decker services in central and southern Kerala. The initiative also complements India’s railway modernization agenda and its push toward climate-resilient transportation.
Awaiting Final Approvals
With operational trials completed and feasibility confirmed for key segments, the project now awaits final approvals. If cleared, the people of Palakkad and the surrounding Malabar region could soon witness the launch of a new era in passenger mobility—one that blends capacity, comfort, and sustainability on Kerala’s tracks.
