In order to accelerate the redevelopment of the Kollam railway station, the Railways has decided to regulate night train services to create a dedicated construction window of three to five hours. This decision was finalised during a high-level review meeting led by the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) in Thiruvananthapuram, attended by N.K. Premachandran, MP.

The meeting observed that vital work, particularly the construction of the concourse over the tracks, has been delayed because daytime work is impossible due to the high frequency of trains. To avoid passenger hardship caused by daytime disruptions, the project will now be accelerated through these regulated night blocks and the 12-meter wide and 14-meter long foot overbridge is expected to be completed by September.

Complexity of demolition

The review meeting observed that while other development works are progressing, the complexity of demolishing existing structures while maintaining active train services has impacted the original contract timeline. However, several key projects are nearing completion, including the multipurpose training institute, which is scheduled for completion this year. A second phase for the institute, including a hostel, has already been proposed. Additionally, the expansion of the MEMU shed is expected to finish by November. Once complete, the capacity of the current nine rakes will be increased from 8 and 12 cars to 18 cars, significantly reducing congestion. New MEMU services, including the Kollam-Sengottai route, will be introduced as new rakes are allotted.

Further infrastructure improvements include a ₹1.18 crore renovation of the Railway Health Unit and a proposal for an underpass to connect the multi-level car parking with the open parking area across the road. Meanwhile, a ₹2.5-crore renovation project for the Eravipuram railway station is moving forward after legal delays. Works include raising and lengthening platforms, installing mini-shelters, and renovating the station building.