MP Hibi Eden Proposes Development of Ponnurunni Marshalling Yard into New Railway Terminal

Member of Parliament Hibi Eden has proposed that the existing marshalling yard at Ponnurunni be developed into a railway terminal, with the facility to be named Ernakulam Central Railway Station. The proposal was made during a high-level meeting of the Railways held in Chennai.

The meeting, convened by Southern Railway General Manager R.N. Singh following a suggestion by Mr. Eden, focused on railway development in the Ernakulam parliamentary constituency. Mr. Eden stated that the new terminal would augment rail infrastructure in Kerala and decongest existing stations in Ernakulam, while also catering to growing passenger and operational requirements.

In addition to the marshalling yard proposal, Mr. Eden suggested the redevelopment of the Ernakulam Junction railway station and optimal utilisation of railway land. He also urged the expeditious completion of works at the Ernakulam Town railway station.

To improve connectivity, Mr. Eden proposed that Ernakulam Town, Ernakulam Junction, and Thripunithura stations be linked with nearby metro stations through dedicated foot overbridges. Strengthening surveillance and enforcement by the Railway Protection Force to prevent trafficking of narcotic substances through railway stations was also emphasised.

Quality, hygiene, and affordability of food served at railway stations and in trains were highlighted as priorities. Additionally, Mr. Eden proposed upgrading the Edappally railway station to harness its full potential and ease growing congestion at Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town stations.

The proposals aim to address the increasing demands on Kerala's rail network, which serves both passenger and freight traffic. The development of Ponnurunni marshalling yard into a terminal is seen as a key step in reducing pressure on existing facilities and improving overall efficiency.