Kochi railway station revamp deadlines pushed to 2028 amid contractor delays

The deadline for completing the redevelopment of Ernakulam Junction (ERS) and Ernakulam Town (ERN) railway stations has been revised to March 2028 and December 2028, respectively. This follows the termination of contracts with the original firms after they failed to meet project timelines, necessitating re-tendering of the works.

When the redevelopment began in August 2022, the initial cost estimates were ₹300 crore for ERS and ₹150 crore for ERN, with a target completion date of August 2025. Railway sources indicate that the delays and re-tendering process will likely lead to cost escalation. Pending construction at ERN is expected to resume in January 2027.

The All Kerala Railway Users' Association (KERUA) has raised several safety and accessibility concerns. President Paul K.J. Manvettom demanded a safe, well-lit pathway from entry to exit at ERS, along with semi-permanent roofing for monsoon use. He also urged the Railway to raise the height of low-lying platforms, citing passenger difficulties and fatal accidents. Additionally, KERUA called for improved amenities at the eastern entries of both stations, which serve large residential areas. At ERN, the association requested extending Platform 2 to enable a skywalk linking the station with the nearby Town Hall metro station. At ERS, only Platforms 1 and 3 can accommodate full-length 25-coach trains, leading to delays; the association demands lengthening of four platforms and installation of lifts and escalators.

The Karithala Poura Samiti, a local residents' group, also pressed for better use of the eastern entry at ERS. Secretary Viju Choolakkal noted that over 35 families surrendered land for the entry's development, but the Railway has not taken over a building offered by the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) for ₹10 crore nearly 15 years ago. He also pointed out that Platform 6, facing the eastern entry, lacks a roof.