Thiruvananthapuram Central Station's North Block Terminal Construction Underway
The Indian Railways has commenced the construction of the North Block passenger terminal building at Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station, marking a significant step in the station's redevelopment efforts. This initiative, which began in the first week of March, aims to enhance passenger facilities and modernize infrastructure.
New Terminal Features and Layout
The nine-floor North Block-1, located at the Kollam end of the existing station, is designed to serve both departure and arrival functions. Key features include:
- Ground Floor: This level will house the departure and arrival lobby, equipped with ticket counters, retail outlets, hotel or commercial lobbies, toilets, a tourist information desk, and access points such as lifts, escalators, and staircases.
- First Floor: A mezzanine area will accommodate railway offices, additional hotel or commercial lobbies, toilets, and more lifts, escalators, and staircases.
- Second Floor: A concourse will provide connectivity for outgoing passengers to the departure concourse and for incoming passengers from the arrival concourse. Both departure and arrival passengers will have seamless access to all platforms via lifts, escalators, and staircases.
- Upper Floors: The remaining seven floors are designated for commercial use, potentially including offices, shops, or other business spaces.
Site Preparation and Demolition
The construction site for the North Block-1 building has been prepared by demolishing old running staff buildings and a portion of the platform shelter. According to railway officials, demolition work is ongoing and will extend to the existing booking counter and other structures up to the Amayizhanjan canal to make way for the new terminal.
Future Infrastructure Upgrades
As the project advances, the railways plan to replace the existing foot overbridge at the Kollam end. However, this work will only commence after the arrival concourse at the Kollam end is commissioned, ensuring minimal disruption to passenger movement during the redevelopment process.
This redevelopment is part of broader efforts to upgrade Thiruvananthapuram Central Station, improving passenger experience and operational efficiency through modern amenities and expanded commercial opportunities.
