Kochi: In view of the rapid, sustained growth in demand for travel, the capacity of major cities to originate new trains needs to be doubled from the current level in the next five years. Accordingly, the current infrastructure serving needs will be augmented to meet the requirements of the upcoming years. For the above initiative by Indian Railways, Kochi (Ernakulam) is among the three cities in the Southern Railway.
Kochi is a key railway hub on the Southern Railway network, playing a vital role in connecting Kerala with the rest of the country. The city’s rail ecosystem encompasses Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Tripunithura stations, which together handle a substantial share of passenger and freight traffic. These stations serve as important gateways for long-distance, intercity and passenger train services, supporting Kochi’s commercial, industrial and tourism activities while ensuring seamless rail connectivity across the region.
The redevelopment of Ernakulam Town is planned in two phases at a total cost of ₹150.28 crore, with phasing designed to ensure uninterrupted passenger operations during construction. Phase I is underway in the southern part of the station area. Existing facilities such as staff quarters, Parcel Office, Duty SM room, substation and OFC rooms were relocated to facilitate execution.
Structural Works Completed:
• West Terminal Building – Segment I (G + Mezzanine + 3): RCC structural works completed; finishing works in progress.
• Multilevel Car Parking (G + 6): RCC structural works completed for 200 cars; fire protection, painting and finishing works in progress.
• 12 m wide FOB: Foundation works completed; fabrication commenced at RDSO-approved workshop, Katpadi.
• Platform development works and additional toilet building at PF 2 are in progress.
• Existing station offices and passenger operations are planned to be shifted to the nearing-completion building, enabling the dismantling of old buildings on the north side. Phase I commissioning is targeted for May 2026.
Redevelopment of Ernakulam Junction & Tripunithura Stations:
• Ernakulam Junction redevelopment project retendering completed, and works will commence shortly.
• Tripunithura Amrit Bharat Station redevelopment works are in the final phase
The initiatives are expected to provide a safe, efficient, accessible and passenger-friendly rail ecosystem in the Kochi region.