Local News

Train services in central Kerala, including routes near Chengannur, were significantly affected as Southern Railway commenced critical maintenance and renovation work on Railway Bridge No. 128 on the Mavelikara–Chengannur section. The track work, planned for late November, led to diversions, cancellations, and temporary regulation of several trains to facilitate safe and efficient construction activity. Passengers were advised to check updated schedules before planning travel. Several long-distance trains that normally run via the Kottayam corridor were diverted through Alappuzha during the construction period, skipping their usual stops. This included major express services connecting Thiruvananthapuram with Chennai, Bengaluru, Mangaluru, and other destinations. The diversions aimed to maintain connectivity while allowing uninterrupted bridge work. In addition to full diversions, some trains experienced temporary regulation and delays, with services such as the Kollam–Ernakulam MEMU, Palaruvi Express, and Vanchinad Express being held for around 30 minutes en route to manage traffic and ensure safety during construction hours. The bridge maintenance work is part of ongoing efforts by Southern Railway to upgrade track infrastructure and enhance safety and operational efficiency across the rail network in Kerala. Residents and commuters in and around Chengannur were urged to stay informed about revised timetables and possible changes to scheduled services. Passengers were encouraged to consult official railway notifications and station announcements for the latest updates and alternative travel arrangements, as the renovation work is expected to continue impacting rail movements in the region.

Move comes after the earlier agency, appointed in 2016, failed to complete the assigned work within the stipulated timeframe. The new consultancy will be given a definite timeline to complete the project, ensuring no indefinite delays, says Kottayam MP In a major boost to the National Highway (NH) 183 development project, which is expected to play a key role in the overall growth of the central Travancore region, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will soon appoint a new consultancy to widen and upgrade the stretch from Chengannur to Mundakayam via Kottayam. In a major boost to the National Highway (NH) 183 development project, which is expected to play a key role in the overall growth of the central Travancore region, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will soon appoint a new consultancy to widen and upgrade the stretch from Chengannur to Mundakayam via Kottayam. Confirming the move, Kottayam MP Francis George said here on Saturday that the information was conveyed to him by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari during a meeting on the progress of the new bypass construction starting from Mulankuzha in Kottayam. Previously, the National Highway division had planned to complete the project in three sections: Chengannur to Kottayam town, Kottayam town to Chenkalpally, and Chenkalpally to Mundakayam. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced plans to appoint a new consultancy firm to fast-track the long-pending expansion of National Highway 183, which connects key regions in central Kerala including Chengannur and Mundakayam. The move aims to revive the stalled four-lane development project and ensure timely completion under a structured timeline. The NH-183 expansion is considered crucial for improving regional connectivity, enhancing road safety, and boosting economic activity. Officials stated that the earlier consultancy, appointed several years ago to prepare design work and surveys, failed to complete the required tasks within the stipulated timeframe, leading to significant delays in the project’s progress. The new firm will be responsible for re-evaluating previous work, conducting fresh surveys where required, and preparing a comprehensive design blueprint for the highway’s widening. This step is expected to bring greater accountability and momentum to the project. The NH-183 corridor has long been identified for expansion due to its strategic importance in linking interior towns of Kerala and facilitating smoother traffic flow between Chengannur, Mundakayam, and surrounding regions. Improved road infrastructure is expected to support local trade, enhance freight movement, and reduce travel time for residents, commuters, and tourists. The decision comes amid growing concerns over delays in national highway projects across Kerala, with repeated calls for faster execution while maintaining technical standards. Appointing a new consultancy with a clear timeline is viewed as a practical step toward overcoming planning bottlenecks and ensuring quality implementation. Infrastructure experts and local stakeholders have welcomed the move, expressing hope that faster progress on NH-183 will significantly improve transportation and regional development in central Kerala. The upcoming phase will focus on the approval of detailed project reports, followed by phased construction once funding and statutory clearances are in place.

The UDF is heading for a decisive victory in the Kerala local body elections 2025, gaining control of key municipalities and corporations and dealing … Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: The 2025 Kerala local body elections delivered a sweeping verdict in favour of the Congress-led United Democratic Front Across the state, UDF won four out of six corporations, 54 municipalities, 78 block panchayats, and 504 gram panchayats. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) suffered significant setbacks, while the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) made historic gains, including capturing