KOCHI: The trial run of diesel engine to the Cochin Harbour Terminus railway station, on the new tracks, was a success.
“The engine commenced the trial run from the Ernakulam South railway station around 10.30 am. Travelling at 10 kmph, the engine passed Mattancherry Halt and completed the trial run in half-an-hour,” said Railways area manager R Harikrishnan.
Train service to Harbour Terminus was discontinued after the Venduruthy bridge was destroyed by a dredger in 2004. Since then, there have been demands from various quarters to resume the service. During his last visit to the state, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu had assured that Harbour Terminus would be reopened by April.
Renovation of the station is progressing fast as per schedule. The platform will be capable of accommodating 18 bogies. Meanwhile, electrification is being delayed for want of consent from the Navy.
Initially, the Ernakulam-Angamaly MEMU service will be extended to Harbour Terminus twice a day. It is expected that the airport link service could be started after the Nedumbassery station becomes operational.