Southern Railway to Complete Development Work at All Thiruvananthapuram Stations.

Southern Railway is set to complete a series of development projects at railway stations across the state capital region in the coming months. These initiatives aim to significantly enhance passenger amenities, improve connectivity, and streamline operations, with a particular focus on developing Thiruvananthapuram North as a crucial terminal.

Key among the upcoming works is the transformation of Thiruvananthapuram North station. Plans include the construction of a new station building, installation of tactile paving for accessibility, and the addition of new lifts and platform shelters. Officials on Sunday stated that the tactile paving, new building, two lifts, and platform shelters are expected to be ready by the end of next month. In the past three years, this station has already seen platforms raised, a water recycling plant installed, and platform shelters completed in six bays.

Further bolstering the region's rail infrastructure, the redevelopment of Neyyattinkara railway station is targeted for completion by August this year. Meanwhile, the comprehensive redevelopment of the major hub, Thiruvananthapuram Central, which involves constructing new station facilities and a passenger concourse, is on track to be finished within two years.

Other stations have also seen recent upgrades. Platforms have been extended at Kazhakkoottam railway station, where ten-seat steel benches and the surfacing of platform number 3 were completed in the last couple of years. Improvements have also been made at Pettah railway station.

Sources within the railway indicate that the increased investment in Thiruvananthapuram North is strategic. It is aimed at facilitating the operation of a higher number of trains from this location to alleviate congestion at the busy Central station. Interstate special trains are already operating from Thiruvananthapuram North to various destinations, including Chennai, and more trains are expected to be routed through this station once the ongoing development works are completed.

Southern Railway's broader plan for the region includes improving stations at Kazhakkoottam, Thiruvananthapuram North, Pettah, Thiruvananthapuram Central, Balaramapuram, Neyyattinkara, Amaravila, Dhanuvachapuram, and Parassala. Balaramapuram station holds additional strategic importance as it is designated as the connection point for the railway line from Vizhinjam.