Title - South Railway Station To Meet International Standards

Kochi: Though the proposal to upgrade Ernakulam railway station into world class status has been shelved, the authorities are now planning to provide world class amenities to the passengers. As part of the upgrading procedure, the officials have prepared a blue print envisaging an overall development of the South station, the second most crowded railway terminal of the state.

The primary objective is to implement escalators in the first, second and third platforms. . According to the officials, the first phase work comprising the installation of escalators in the first three platforms will be completed soon. Normally, long distance express trains and other major trains halt at the first three platforms and hence the installation of escalators will eventually reduce the cramming here. “We are planning to commence the first phase work by March and is expected to complete the project by 2014,” says P L Ashok Kumar, Ernakulam Railway Area Manager. “We got sanction for escalators for the fourth and fifth platforms too, but the funds are not yet allocated,” he added.

Several other feasible proposals are also planned for the improvement of the train terminal. One of them pertains to the rearrangement of auto and taxi prepaid counters for the convenience of passengers. As per the plan, the prepaid booth will be relocated at a more convenient area and separate lanes for autos and taxis will be created. By executing a systematic way, congestion owing to the blockage by vehicles can be avoided and more free space will be allowed.

The railway authorities have decided to build a dedicated bus bay for easy accessibility. Along with these, some plans are afoot for shifting the parcel office to the western side of the station to avoid the congestion in the frontal area of the terminal.

The DTPC (District Tourism Promotion Council) may also partake in this improvisation. “Talks were held with the DTPC officials in this regard. As our station is deprived of a VIP lounge, they may set up one and will also erect a tourist facilitation centre in the premises. But, nothing is finalised yet,” says an official.

Apart from this, an ambitious Skywalk project in coordination with the Metro Rail Corporation is also on the anvil. The proposed skywalk will connect the Kochi Metro platform with all other six platforms in the terminal. Beautification of the premises is also on the cards. Sources said that landscaping and gardening will be performed inside the station premises and they have already started the titivation works.

The authorities are hoping that through these initiatives, Ernakulam railway station can be upgraded to global standards. “We don’t intend a big leap. Infact we are planning a phase by phase approach to accomplish it,” said P L Ashok Kumar. Meanwhile the proposed plan would be sent to the Southern Railway headquarters in Chennai for estimate approval and later to the railway board for sanction.