KOCHI: Can you imagine sitting in a transparent vehicle on rails chugging over the Venduruthy bridge enjoying a spectacular view of the backwaters lulling the city to sleep? That is precisely what Kochiites are in for if the project drawn up by the Railways to turn the Cochin Harbour Terminus railway station at Willingdon Island into a heritage tourism destination sees the light of day.
Live demonstration of train operations, safari, exhibitions, restaurants and herbal gardens in the vast area under the jurisdiction of railways are part of the plans to bring the island into the tourist map of Kochi.
The picturesque station has a platform - currently infested with weeds - long enough to host a 15-coach train under a canopy of huge trees. The project envisages utilising the space to arrange a museum- like exhibition showcasing the technical evolution of train operations and the history of the famed terminus.
An old steam locomotive engine gleaming in all its glory will welcome the visitors with photographs, pictures and original equipment completing the vista.
A section will specially devoted to the signal system, both old and new, which is an integral part of railway operations.
Pit-lanes will be readied to provide a first hand experience of train maintenance.
A custom-built engine having a capacity to hold 10 to 25 passengers will serve to satiate the perennial curiosity of people to understand the working of a locomotive. It could be operated on the half-a-kilometre track leading up to the parcel yard currently left unused, sources said.
Once all these ready, the next step will be to run a self-propelled transparent vehicle with the capacity to carry 20-25 people across the Vembanad Lake up to the Ernakulam Junction. With many states in the country having come out successfully with the concept of Palace on Wheels, it is high time that the state joined the party with its own version of tourism on rails, sources said.
The dilapidated office complex will be renovated to include restaurants. Gardens flush with the aroma of herbs and spices will lend charm to the area which is at present running wild with weeds.
To be implemented on clearance by the authorities under the Build, Operate, Lease and Transfer (BOLT) system, entry fee will be the main form of revenue for the project envisioned by the Thiruvananthapuram division of the Southern Railway.
The railways is in the process of identifying a technical consultant to conduct a feasibility study for the project, sources said.