KOCHI: Ernakulam Junction Railway Station is poised for a significant upgrade under an Indian Railways initiative to double train capacity in major cities by 2030. The plan is outlined in the report titled ‘Major Station Redevelopment, New Terminals and Multi-tracking Projects to Improve Suburban & Long-Distance Connectivity’, which places Ernakulam alongside Chennai and Coimbatore as the only three locations in the Southern Railway zone selected for the project.
Once implemented, the initiative is expected to substantially increase Ernakulam’s originating and handling capacity, strengthening its position as one of Kerala’s busiest terminals. The station already ranks a close second to Thiruvananthapuram Central in revenue generation and currently operates between 37 and over 60 originating services, including express and superfast trains. Passengers’ representatives say the upgrade could eventually see Ernakulam surpass the capital in terms of originating services.
Passengers’ associations across the state have welcomed the move, pointing out that Ernakulam is strategically placed for terminal expansion due to the availability of railway land. “Ernakulam is the right choice for the development of a new coaching terminal. The railway has a lot of land here, especially the 110-acre marshalling yard between Ponnurunni and Kathrikadavu. So the problems associated with land acquisition don’t arise,” said P Krishnakumar, general secretary of the Thrissur Railway Passengers’ Association.
According to the plan document, these works are aimed at doubling originating capacity by 2030 while improving suburban and long-distance connectivity. Automation of signalling on the Ernakulam–Thrissur–Shoranur stretch is already progressing, and the Detailed Project Report for the proposed third and fourth lines on the corridor is under preparation — a development passenger groups say indicates Ernakulam’s emerging role as a coaching hub. However, associations cautioned that supporting stations must also be strengthened to fully realise the benefits of the upgrade.
“Tripunithura needs a third platform to boost Ernakulam Junction railway station,” Krishnakumar noted, adding that capacity improvements at Ernakulam Town are equally important.
While passenger groups in central and south Kerala have welcomed the move, counterparts in the northern region expressed concern that their long-standing demands remain unaddressed.
“The railways have been ignoring the requirements of passengers in North Kerala. There are no originating stations in the North — nearly all trains operate from Mangaluru. This is detrimental to the needs of people here,” said a retired railway official.
The project, passenger bodies say, marks a crucial opportunity to balance regional access while positioning Ernakulam as a key link in the Railways’ capacity-expansion.
In for a makeover
Additional platforms and pit lines to support more originating trains
New stabling lines and enhanced shunting facilities to reduce congestion
Development of mega coaching and maintenance complexes
Identification of new terminals around the Ernakulam urban belt
Multitracking and signalling upgrades along high-traffic corridors