The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : Eastern entry likely to be thrown open by May

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Apr 11, 2005

Kerala

Kerala - Kochi

Eastern entry likely to be thrown open by May

By John L. Paul

KOCHI, APRIL 10. The Railways has set the first week of May as the deadline to complete work on the sixth platform and the extended foot overbridge to the platform in the Ernakulam South Railway Station.

With work on in full swing, including on holidays, for the two projects, it is expected that entry to the station through the eastern side will soon become a reality. The result will be that train passengers coming from the eastern side (Kadavanthra, Panampilly Nagar, etc.) will not have to undergo the ordeal of travelling through the congested Ernakulam South rail overbridge and M.G. Road to reach the station. They can use the road beneath the bridge to enter Karshaka Road.

There is urgent need to widen the carriageway of the roads and carry out repair works on them so that passengers can travel through the stretch without hassles.

The area manager, Railways, Mathew George, said that with the completion of the platform and the overbridge, people coming through the eastern gate would be able to access all platforms in the station. "We are engaged in discussions with the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) on taking over the four-storied building and the area around it, located behind the platform.

Under one roof

"Once the GCDA completes work on the entrance, the eastern entry can be thrown open to passengers. The surrounding area can be used as parking space. But tickets will be issued only after we get possession of the building. Our aim is to bring different offices of the railways, now scattered across the city, under one roof," he said.

A 480-metre platform, which can hold a train with 24 coaches, has been planned. Work on the first phase of the project is over. The railway line will be laid on par with the work on lengthening the platform, Mr George added.

Deadlock over cost

For over a year, the Railways and the GCDA were deadlocked over the cost of the building with an area of 40,000 square feet. The GCDA had demanded Rs.10 crores, whereas the Railways was unwilling to give this amount.

The GCDA chairman, Antony Issac, said that the agency is willing to hand over the building for Rs.9 crore, the construction cost.

Congestion

"With passage of time, the interest on the loan amount is increasing. As on now, we will discuss with the Railway authorities their request for access through the eastern side and parking facilities. The issue over the building can be taken up later," he said.

If the matter is allowed to drag on, the congestion of vehicles and passengers in the western side (main entrance) of the station will worsen. Finding parking space inside the station compound has become very difficult now. As of now, the first priority is to get the eastern entry ready, Mr George said.

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