[1]The modified blueprint for raising the Ernakulam South railway station to international standards is ready, Divisional Railway Manager Rajesh Agarwal said on Monday. He hinted that the repeated promises to upgrade the station, currently lacking basic facilities, are finally taking off.
“Ernakulam has a vital role to play in our scheme of things. We’ve readied the blueprint for developing the station to an international level. Currently discussions are being held with elected representatives over the facilities to be provided,” Mr Agarwal said.
He was speaking to media soon after inaugurating a ticket booking counter at the campus of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences near Edapally.
According to sources, the station is set to get an image makeover. It’s learnt the railways are planning to model the station entrance in ‘koothambalam’ style to give it a traditional touch.
The facilities proposed include an elevated vehicle drop-off on either side of the station to help passengers arrive directly at the departure level. The latter will have waiting areas and a ticket counter; separate sections for arrival and departure; mechanized conveyors for handling parcels; and elevators and escalators for mobility.
Additionally, Mr Agarwal promised to look into the demand for a rail overbridge at Ponekkara near AIIMS, for which the state government has already sanctioned Rs12.64 crore.
“At least seven lines are going through the area and the complicated task of preparing a draft plan is being prepared by RBDCK. We’ll positively consider the request and are awaiting a feasibility study by the state agency,” the official said.
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