Southern Railway Calls Tender for New Halt Station Near Kochi Airport
Southern Railway has officially invited a tender for constructing a new halt railway station in Nedumbassery, located close to Kochi International Airport. According to the tender documents, the contractor must complete all work within nine months from the start date. This move aims to improve connectivity for air travelers and local commuters.
Station Details and Construction Timeline
The proposed railway station will be built behind the airport premises, situated between the existing Chovara and Angamaly railway stations. Railway officials confirmed that the project will cost approximately Rs 7.56 crore. They noted that the railway already possesses the minimum land required for establishing platforms, which simplifies the process.
Plans and drawings for the station, including details for two platforms, have been finalized. A reconnaissance survey of the area has also been completed. The decision on which trains will stop at the new station will be made only after construction finishes.
Expected Train Services and Passenger Benefits
Sources indicate that long-distance trains, such as the Vande Bharat and Venad Express, are likely to halt at the new station. The transportation wing of the railway will submit a report to the railway board regarding these stoppages.
Currently, passengers from other districts face inconvenience. They must disembark at either Angamaly or Aluva railway stations and then hire a taxi to reach the airport. Once the new station is operational, passengers alighting at the airport can travel just 1.5 kilometers via Athani Junction–Airport Road to access the railway station.
Historical Context and Future Plans
The foundation stone for this railway station was originally laid in 2010 when E Ahmad served as the railway minister. However, the project stalled and did not progress for years. Recently, Chalakkudy MP Benny Behnanan raised the demand for the airport station during a Parliament session, reviving the initiative.
After construction, Cochin International Airport Ltd is expected to operate electric buses between the airport and the new station to meet passenger demands. Presently, a Kochi Metro feeder bus runs between Aluva Metro Station and the airport every 30 minutes, providing some connectivity.
This new halt station promises to significantly enhance transportation links, making travel to and from Kochi airport more seamless for thousands of passengers.
