Mumbai, June 30 -- A high-level meeting in Chennai brought the Southern Railway general manager together with representatives from Ernakulam district to discuss railway projects and infrastructure. The member of parliament Hibi Eden submitted proposals to address travel difficulties in Ernakulam and to expand railway capacity. Railway officials reviewed proposals and discussed timelines and design requirements.
The conversion of the existing marshalling yard at the Ponnurunni end into a new railway terminal was prioritised, and the MP proposed naming it Ernakulam Central Railway Station. Officials said an entrance will be provided from the upper part of the Ponnurunni railway overbridge and that the file will be sent to the Railway Board within a month. The estimated cost is two point seven billion (2.7 bn); the terminal will have six platforms, three pit lines, stabilising lines and other facilities.
Regarding redevelopment of Ernakulam Junction station, the general manager said work on the west frontage includes construction of two floors and the east side will see two floors completed out of a total of four, while a multi-level car park is targeted for completion within the next six months. On Ernakulam Town station, the current contractor was terminated for delays and officials indicated that re-tendering would be initiated around September. They added that the multi-level car parking facility could be opened to the public once finished and that around 50 cents of land will be acquired to develop the back entrance, with front station works expected to finish by December 2028.
Railway representatives also said that modern link bridges connecting Ernakulam South and Tripunithura stations with nearby metro stations are under consideration and that the design of the link bridge connecting North Railway Station and Town Hall Metro Station requires improvement. Officials signalled that these measures aim to ease commuter movement and enhance multimodal connectivity in Ernakulam district. Implementation timelines will depend on approvals, tender processes and coordination with civic agencies.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.