I think that is precisely the reason why so many trains are not being speeded up fearing repercussions from the numerous passenger associations.
Venad express wastes almost 2 hours right from departure from Aluva, arrival at ERS, loco reversal, lots of slack and then finally departure.
Island express has been allotted almost 1 hour between Tripunithura and ERN to cover 13 km of double line.
I...
more... guess all their times have been fixed keeping in mind these daily passengers.