The concept of Garib Rath started with the vision to provide air conditioned berths at a comparatively low price for the people who could not afford to travel in AC coaches. Garib-rath phrase translates to poor man's chariot in English. The fare in this train is almost two-thirds of regular third ac fare. Usually Garib Rath have Third AC (3A) class only excepting some 1-2 trains which also have Chair Car (CC) class. The compartments of these train coaches have 9 berths making an extra space for side middle berth which is not there in any other train in India. In case passengers want to have bedrolls they need to pay separately for it. Some garib-raths run as fast as rajdhani, but they have lesser priority for track clearance compared to them. These trains are painted green with a yellow colored strip along the window panes. 1 garib-rath train runs from Kottayam to Salem - TVCN YPR GR EXP (12258).

Kottayam to Salem TVCN YPR GR EXP (12258) departs from Kottayam station (KTYM) at 19:45 and arrives Salem Jn station (SA) at 04:07. This train has 7 stoppages. Kottayam to Salem garib-rath fare is Rs.535 in Third AC for this train.

Humsafar trains are long distance superfast trains that traverses overnight journeys. This is a new concept by the Indian Railways. Some Humsafar trains also run for more than 24 hours. Keeping in mind the middle class travellers, Humsafar was launched last year by the Former Railway Minister Mr. Suresh Prabhu. It has only Third AC class coach and have optional meal service. This train follows dynamic pricing meaning fare increases as the seat availability decreases. However, these trains hold lesser priority than Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains. Humsafar trains are equipped with modern day amenities and enhanced safety features. There are CCTV cameras fitted in every coach of Humsafar trains and there are charging points for each berth. One can also see current running speed of train on the LEDs fitted above doors. These trains are characterized by beautiful graffiti paint with vibrant sky blue color on outer surface of coaches. 1 humsafar train runs from Kottayam to Salem - SMVB HUMSAFAR (16319).

Kottayam to Salem SMVB HUMSAFAR (16319) departs from Kottayam station (KTYM) at 20:40 and arrives Salem Jn station (SA) at 05:07. This train has 6 stoppages. Kottayam to Salem humsafar fare is Rs.805 in Third AC and Rs.300 in Sleeper for this train.