Even as the ₹450-crore redevelopment works at Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town railway stations are in different stages of completion, commuters are encountering difficulties in accessing the facilities in vehicles and also by foot.

With the chaotic situation remaining much the same ever since redevelopment works began in 2023, passenger associations and others have been demanding that the Railways adhere to their assurances to streamline traffic and ensure pedestrian safety on the premises of the two stations. Their redevelopment ought to have been completed by August 2025, according to the plan.

It is high time steps were taken to ensure the safety and convenience of commuters and those who accompany them at railway stations that are being redeveloped, especially since the monsoon is around the corner, said Liyons J., general secretary of ‘Friends on Rails’, which has been on the warpath demanding better passenger amenities at railway stations and also steps to prevent congestion in trains.

Railway sources said steps would be taken to ensure streamlined flow of vehicles and safe transit of commuters on the premises of the two stations. “Over time, the extent of the barricaded areas will be scaled down once the critical structural works at the two station buildings that are being redeveloped are completed. This would in turn open up more space for vehicles ferrying commuters and also pedestrians. Steps would also be taken to augment lighting,” they added.

Platform height

Referring to the death of a young woman a week ago while attempting to board the Vanchinad Express from the low-lying fifth platform at Ernakulam Junction, Mr. Liyons said it could have been prevented had the Railways raised the platform to the standard height.

It had been reported that often elderly commuters and others had to seek the help of fellow passengers to alight and board trains owing to the gaping height difference between such low-lying platforms and the train’s floor level. In addition, only two of the six platforms at Ernakulam Junction are long enough to host trains having 22 coaches.

To this, official sources said that the height of the fifth platform would be increased to the standard height, once platforms two and three were raised.