KOCHI: Why is Kerala not getting more trains? To this oft-repeated question, the passengers’ associations have an answer: a lack of sufficient platforms and pit lines at major railway stations, as cited by the Railways.
Highlighting that particular issue at the Ernakulam Junction railway station, Friends On Rails, a passengers’ association, and the Tripunithura Rajanagari Union of Residents Associations (TRURA) say that the Tripunithura railway station assumes great importance under these circumstances.
According to Ajas Vadakkedam, a member of Friends On Rails, the railway ministry is drawing up plans for the third and fourth lines in the state. “But they are doing so without solving the current train travel woes of the state. More trains can be run if a third platform is opened at Tripunithura,” Ajas said. Explaining the issues at the Ernakulam Junction and Town railway stations, he added,
“Although there are six platforms at Ernakulam Junction, only three can accommodate a train with 22 coaches. The sixth platform is restricted to passenger and MEMU services. Though the Ernakulam Town station is undergoing renovation, there is no provision for new platforms. This is where the Tripunithura railway station gains in importance. The station has enough land for expansion. The possibilities for a large-scale development project are immense there.”
Agreeing to the proposition, Jayendran V C, convener of TRURA, said, “We had earlier submitted many petitions to the railway authorities, seeking a new platform as Platform 2 could only be considered a loop line.
However, we were told that no plans are afoot for the construction of a main line since they have made provisions to increase the speed of the loop line.” The Tripunithura station is getting neglected in all aspects, be it the stoppage of long-distance trains or the upgrading of platforms, he added.
Ajas pointed out how the demolition of the wall along the second platform for the construction of a lift has revealed the possibilities for large-scale development activities at the station. “If such a development project happens, then Ernakulam district will get a new platform and that too at a very low cost,” he said.
“Additional platforms at Tripunithura can be utilised as the pit line in Ernakulam. There are no technical obstacles in shifting trains terminating at Tripunithura to the yard and pit line nearby. Compared to other stations, Ernakulam has more pit line possibilities on the land owned by the Railways.”