Other name(s) Line Alpha System Electrified Stations 18 | Type Regional rail Status Operational | |
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Termini Kollam JunctionThiruvananthapuram Central | ||
Kollam–Thiruvananthapuram trunk line is a busy railway corridor in Southern Railway zone between the cities of Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram in the state of Kerala, India. The line was opened on 4 January 1918 as the extension of Madras–Quilon line during metre gauge era. This double line is fully electrified and holds 60 pairs of services (including 25 pairs of daily trains). All trains operating from/to Thiruvananthapuram run along this route, making it the second busiest railway corridor in Kerala after the Shoranur–Ernakulam line (which serves both Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram bound trains).
Contents
The Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram connects with Thiruvananthapuram–Kanyakumari line in South, Kollam–Kayamkulam line in North and Kollam–Punalur–Sengottai line in the East. The line is under the control of Thiruvananthapuram railway division of the Southern Railway zone.
History
South Indian Railway Company has opened the Quilon–Sengottai railway line in 1902 with an intention to connect Quilon (Kollam), the commercial capital of Travancore with Madras. Great Port of Quilon and the city's commercial reputation has urged the British rulers to connect the city of Quilon with Madras for the smooth transportation of goods including Pepper, Cashew, and spices. Later on 4 January 1918, Thiruvananthapuram South Indian Railway Company has opened the Kollam–Thiruvananthapuram extension up to Chala. The terminus was shifted to Trivandrum Central (Thampanoor) and was inaugurated in 1931.