KOCHI: For those standing on the platforms of Ernakulam Junction and Town stations, the news of lively inaugurations of railway terminals happening elsewhere across the state hits them with envy.
However, Ernakulam commuters might have to wait another year or two to be part of such celebrations. It is being estimated that the redevelopment work at Ernakulam Town Station will be completed by the end of 2027, while Junction Station will be ready only by 2028.
It has been four years since the renovation works began at these major stations in Central Kerala. The tenders for the redevelopment of the railway stations were awarded in 2022. The estimated deadline for the projects was 2025.
A railway official said work on the multi-level car parking facility at Town station is nearing completion, while work on the west terminal building is in full swing. The work at Ernakulam Junction station got delayed after the contractor was fired.
“Work at Ernakulam Junction began in 2022, with an estimated deadline of 2025. The Rs 350-crore project was delayed due to the inefficiency of the contractor, Bridge and Roof Company (India). It was also found that the work by the contractor was sub-par. Hence, it was decided to terminate the contract and blacklist the firm from undertaking any railway projects,” said the official.
However, now the work is happening at a good speed, he added. Even the passengers are satisfied with the pace of the construction works at the stations.
According to Paul Manvattom, president of All Kerala Railway Users Association, the redevelopment work is going on at a good pace.Though Ajas Vadakkedam, member, Friends on Rail, agrees with Paul about the pace of work, he said that some of the proposed work, like the skywalk and the new foot-overbridge at Ernakulam Town station, might not happen now since they are not mentioned in the tender.