Modernisation of Alappuzha, Kayamkulam railway stations likely to be completed by March 2025

Modernisation of Alappuzha and Kayamkulam railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme of the Ministry of Railways is progressing. The development works are expected to be completed by March 2025.

In a statement issued here after a meeting to review railway projects in the Alappuzha Lok Sabha constituency on Sunday, K.C. Venugopal, MP said that railway authorities have assured the completion of the works at both stations by March. The meeting was attended by Thiruvananthapuram Divisional Railway Manager Manish Thaplyal, Divisional Engineer Mariyappan, Chief Project Manager Kannan and other officials.

Mr. Venugopal said that considering the tourism importance of the Alappuzha station, a request has been made to the Ministry of Railways to upgrade Alappuzha to Non-Suburban Group-2 (NSG-2) category.

The project to make Haripad a disabled-friendly railway station has received the necessary nod. Railway officials informed the meeting that the tendering process would begin soon. As part of the project, facilities such as ramps and restrooms accessible to persons with disabilities will be set up. The renovation of the approach road to Haripad railway station will begin soon. Considering Haripad’s status as a pilgrimage town, Mr. Venugopal demanded the installation of additional facilities, including lifts at the station.

The length of platform shelters at Karunagappally railway station will be increased. The parking and circulating areas at the station will also be expanded and passenger amenities will be improved. Railways will consider installing lifts at the station.

Mr. Venugopal drew attention to the significant difficulties faced by senior citizens, persons with disabilities and children due to trains not arriving at platform one at Ambalappuzha station. Railway officials promised to restructure traffic arrangements at the station to allow more trains to arrive at platform one. Officials said the tendering process for installing lifts at Cherthala railway station would begin soon.

The MP urged the railways to upgrade Karunagappally and Cherthala stations to NSG-3 category and enhance basic facilities at Aroor, Thuravoor, Mararikulam, Cheppad and Ochira stations. He demanded increasing the number of coaches in MEMU and passenger trains.

Mr. Venugopal said the Railway Board’s sanction was awaited for doubling the 46-km Thuravoor-Ambalappuzha track. Efforts will be intensified to secure approval for the project, he said.