Ernakulam Junction railway station (ERS) continues to face disarray, as major redevelopment works remain largely incomplete and the severely potholed carriageway within the premises worsens commuter woes. Despite a Rs 3 billion redevelopment plan and a deadline that lapsed in August, only 20 per cent of the work has been completed so far.

The station redevelopment, which also includes the construction of a skywalk connecting to the adjacent Kochi Metro station, has stagnated, leaving commuters to navigate through unfinished, barricaded work zones. The approach road from the station’s entrance to the exit has become a nightmare, riddled with potholes and lacking proper lighting. Frequent traveller Balaji Krishnan highlighted how hundreds of passengers are left to crowd the narrow space between construction barricades, often wading through dirty, stagnant rainwater.

While the eastern entry is in a slightly better condition, it lacks basic amenities such as lifts or escalators. The presence of stray dogs further adds to the discomfort and safety concerns for passengers, Krishnan noted.

Leela D., another daily commuter, lamented the poor condition of platform number three, which remains at a lower level. Passengers are forced to jump down from train coaches, often with luggage in hand, causing delays in train departures. “Even with a metro station next door, commuters are forced to tread through filthy, waterlogged pathways,” she added.

Calls for Action

The Kerala Railway Users’ Association (KERUA) had long urged the Railway to provide a raised and sheltered carriageway to prevent waterlogging around construction zones, but little has materialised. The lack of basic facilities and stalled progress continues to frustrate regular passengers.

Chief Administrative Officer (Construction), Southern Railway, Om Prakash confirmed that the previous contract with a public sector firm was terminated due to delays. “A new tender will be opened on 5 September, and we expect to complete the pending work within 24 months after awarding the contract,” he stated.

In the interim, resurfacing of the carriageway using paver blocks has been awarded and is expected to provide temporary relief to commuters navigating the station premises.

As for platform upgrades, Railway officials indicated that work to raise platform three has already been awarded and is expected to be completed by January. The remaining four short platforms will be extended to accommodate 24-coach trains in due course, thereby improving passenger boarding and train turnaround times.