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Amenities at North and South railway stations being improved

Staff Reporter

Sixth track at South station to be ready by March 2007

WORK ON FAST TRACK: Work on the sixth platform and the foot overbridge on the eastern side of the Ernakulam South Railway Station is expected to be over by the month end. — Photo: H. Vibhu

KOCHI: Amenities at the Ernakulam North and South railway stations are being improved, considering the increasing number of commuters travelling by trains.

Trains are being preferred considering their lower fares, added comfort and hassle-free journey. The second platform at the North station has been extended so that it can accommodate trains with 24 bogies. Land was acquired for the purpose at a cost of Rs.4 lakhs, by relocating five families from the area. "A booking office with two counters will be ready at the platform, in a month. This will increase the number of counters at the station to five. We also have plans to raise the level of the first platform," said C.M. Chandrasekharan Nair, Ernakulam Area Manager of the Southern Railway.

The main entrance to the station is being extended to create more parking space. A food plaza of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) was opened two months ago at the station. The Corporation has planned budget hotels with boarding facilities, near both the North and South stations. Land is yet to be identified for the purpose.

Air-conditioned dormitories were opened at the South station a week ago. They are being given out for Rs.150 per head. Air-conditioned retiring rooms have been planned at the station. As part of the beautification scheme, a lawn has also been readied. The pre-paid auto bay will soon be redone.

"The booking counters at the South station will be shifted to a more convenient place and the area converted into upper-class waiting area and VIP lounge. The sixth track at the station will be ready by March 2007. The platform there can accommodate trains with 18 bogies. Our plan is to station passenger trains there, during mornings and evenings," Mr Nair said. A foot-overbridge and the sixth platform were readied over a year ago.

He said, of the two booking counters in the eastern entry of the South station, one has started functioning. "Apart from regular tickets, season tickets are being issued from there. We will open the second counter if need arises. Nowadays, many people have begun using the Internet booking facility offered by the IRCTC, instead of coming to the station to reserve tickets. The ticket will be couriered within two days to one's residence. Payment has to be made through credit cards."

Late running of trains

On complaints about the late running of the Kollam-Ernakulam passenger train and the Venad Express, which ferry office-goers, Mr. Nair said that attempts were being made to speed up all trains. Their punctuality is being monitored at all stations. Many portions in the Ernakulam-Thiruvananthapuram route are single line and this often results in trains being held up, he said.

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