Kochi: The Railways has submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the construction of a new coaching terminal in Ernakulam. The terminal, proposed to be built at the Ponnurunni marshalling yard, is estimated to cost ₹267 crore.

The DPR, submitted by the State Railway Construction wing to the Thiruvananthapuram Division, will soon be forwarded to the Railway Board for consideration. Once approved, the terminal is expected to be operational within three years.

According to the new DPR, six platforms will be constructed at the site. Initially, the cost was estimated for four platforms, but the number was subsequently increased.


Major boost for Mobility Hub

Along with the platforms, the facility will feature three stabling lines (tracks where trains are parked after completing their journeys) and three pit lines (specialised tracks for inspecting and cleaning coaches). Two of these pit lines are specifically designated for the maintenance of Vande Bharat trains. The new terminal at the marshalling yard will hugely help reduce railway traffic congestion in Kochi.

Currently, Ernakulam South station has six platforms, while Ernakulam North has two. Construction work is already underway at both South and North stations as part of redevelopment projects, leaving no further space to build additional platforms at either location. However, the Ponnurunni yard boasts a vast expanse of land capable of accommodating up to 15 platforms to meet future demands.

The Railways owns 110 acres of land in the Ponnurunni area adjacent to the city, which is where the project will be implemented. At present, coach maintenance and goods train inspections are carried out there.

The new terminal will help ease congestion at existing Ernakulam stations, prevent trains from being delayed outside stations due to lack of platform availability, and facilitate the launch of more new train services to Kerala.

Integrated with the Metro, Water Metro and Vytilla Mobility Hub, this is set to transform into a premier transport hub.