Big rail upgrade for Kerala: 5 Amrit Bharat stations expected to be inaugurated soon

Passengers travelling through parts of Kerala could soon experience upgraded railway infrastructure, with five modernised railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme expected to be inaugurated later this month. The redevelopment brings improved passenger amenities, better accessibility and upgraded station buildings aimed at transforming the travel experience across key railway hubs.

The stations expected to be opened are Parappanangadi, Tirur, Thalassery, Feroke and Nilambur Road. While an official inauguration date is yet to be announced, the redevelopment work at these stations has largely been completed, making them ready for commissioning.

The station upgrades are part of the first phase of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, under which 16 railway stations in Kerala are being redeveloped at an estimated cost of ₹435 crore.

Earlier, renovated station buildings at Vadakara, Mahe, Shoranur Junction, Kuttippuram and Pollachi Junction were opened in phases. Meanwhile, work at Mangaluru Junction, Kasaragod, Payyanur, Ottappalam and Angadippuram has reached the final finishing stage.

Among the upcoming stations, Feroke Railway Station is reported to be over 95% complete. Only a few finishing works, including the installation of tactile paving for differently abled passengers on the second platform, remain pending and are expected to be completed within the next two weeks.

The redevelopment project, which began nearly two years ago, focuses on creating passenger-friendly railway stations with improved accessibility and modern infrastructure. The renovated stations feature wider and higher platforms, redesigned entrance buildings, lifts, escalators and spacious parking areas.

Passengers will also benefit from a range of new facilities, including air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned waiting halls, VIP lounges, wider foot overbridges, enhanced seating, weather-resistant platform shelters, digital passenger information display systems, drinking water booths, mobile charging points and coach position display boards.

Parking infrastructure has also been expanded at several stations. At Feroke, the newly developed parking area can accommodate around 100 vehicles, improving convenience for commuters.

The station premises have also been aesthetically upgraded with gardens and ornamental plants near the entrance, enhancing the overall appearance of the redeveloped facilities. Feroke station alone has undergone redevelopment in two phases at an estimated cost of ₹10.68 crore.