Passengers on the Ernakulam-Kayamkulam Unreserved Express (Train no. 06451) staged a protest on Monday as they travelled in the train wearing black masks alleging that the schedule of the train had been changed to ensure the smooth operation of Vande Bharat trains.
They held placards demanding that the earlier time schedule of trains, including the Ernakulam-Kayamkulam Express, be restored as the delay affected their daily schedule, including reaching their workplaces in time.
Passengers said the Ernakulam-Kayamkulam Unreserved Express used to leave Ernakulam Junction around 6 a.m. With the launch of Vande Bharat trains, the schedule was changed to 6.05 a.m. The delay resulted in the train getting held up at Kumbalam station for nearly 40 minutes to one hour. The starting time was then rescheduled to 6.25 a.m., causing difficulties for several commuters, they said.
