Talks on resuming train services to Harbour Terminus Railway Station are gathering pace with the railways speeding up works to complete Venduruthy rail overbridge.
The construction of the bridge lagged indefinitely though Venduruthy road overbridge – work on which began much later – was thrown open to vehicles over two years ago. The railways opted for a new bridge after a dredger deployed by Cochin Port rammed the old bridge built during British era.
“With final works gaining pace, the bridge is scheduled to be commissioned by March 2015,” said Ernakulam Area Manager of Southern Railway Rajesh Chandran. With the bridge getting ready, the railways has accorded priority to revive Harbour Terminus station as a hub for passenger and goods trains. Most passenger and goods trains from Ernakulam began service from the station, till Ernakulam Junction emerged as a terminal station. Mr. Chandran said the proposal to resume train services to the station was under active consideration. “Indian Navy’s approval is key to restart operations through the line that is located near naval airport.”
The Navy had objected to installing overhead electric lines over the stretch, citing safety of its aircraft. To overcome this issue, the railways had volunteered to switch off power supply to the lines during aircraft take off.
Though a proposal was mooted to substitute electric engines with diesel for plying the short distance from Ernakulam Junction to Harbour Terminus, the railway official said it was a very tough procedure. “Besides, this would also increase operational expenses of passenger and goods trains. The matter will be taken up once again with the Navy and Cochin Port,” he said.
At least six passenger/MEMU trains from northern and southern districts could terminate their trip at Harbour Terminus once the line is electrified, thus decongesting Ernakulam Junction station.
The railway, port and other stakeholders are keen on augmenting transportation of goods to and from Kochi port through rail. While providing fast and hassle-free movement of goods, this will in turn boost revenue for Thiruvananthapuram Railway Division.
Old Railway StationIn the meantime, Ernakulam Old Railway Station Vikasana Samiti, an NGO spearheading the demand to renovate the station and rail lines located behind the High Court of Kerala, has planned a calling-attention meeting on October 1 on the 40-acre premises.
“We expect green signal from the Railway Ministry for the project since the station can decongest the two major stations in the city, speeding up trains that are often held up in the periphery due to unavailability of vacant track,” said M.R. Rajendran Nair, chairman of the samiti.
