Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has assured Union Minister of State George Kurian that steps will soon be taken to begin construction of the Nedumbassery airport railway station. Kurian announced the development on social media on Saturday, saying the long-awaited project is finally moving forward. According to sources, the proposed station will be built near the Cochin International Airport, with the Union government also considering a direct access route linking the station to the airport terminal. The idea was first proposed last year when Vaishnaw inspected the Ernakulam–Shoranur railway section. During the visit, Southern Railway officials emphasised the need for a station close to the airport and later submitted a detailed proposal to the Railway Board. Kurian noted that Vaishnaw has assured him train stoppages at the Nedumbassery station will be planned based on passenger demand. “To ease the difficulties faced by regular passengers, the railway minister also confirmed that additional coaches will be added to MEMU trains starting in November,” Kurian shared on social media. With the minister’s approval, sources said preliminary works on the project could begin within this year. “Once completed, the railway station will be one of the major stations in Ernakulam, and its proximity to the airport will be a great advantage for passengers. If all goes as planned, Vande Bharat trains may also have stoppages here. The project could take around two years to complete, depending on design and infrastructure requirements. Given its importance, the station is expected to feature a modern, state-of-the-art design,” said a retired Southern Railway engineer. “Many passengers and tourists will benefit from this project. We have been demanding such a facility for years and appreciate the minister’s commitment. The railway should ensure early completion, and the state government must provide full support,” said John Thomas, a travel agent based in Kochi.