Railways to Build Skywalks for Seamless Metro Access at Ernakulam Stations.

Train passengers in Ernakulam are set to benefit from improved multimodal connectivity, with the Railways moving ahead with plans to construct elevated skywalks linking three major railway stations with nearby Kochi Metro stations.

The proposed skywalks will come up at Tripunithura, Ernakulam Junction (South) and Ernakulam Town (North), providing direct and seamless access between railway platforms and Metro stations.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM) Nithin Norbert said the project has been shortlisted for approval by the Railway Board. “We are preparing a detailed project report (DPR) to be submitted to the board,” he said.

The demand for skywalk connectivity at Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town stations was raised during the Divisional Railway Users’ Consultative Committee (DRUCC) meeting held in Thiruvananthapuram on July 23. Railway officials assured passenger representatives that the facilities would be developed as part of the ongoing station redevelopment works.

Paul K.J. Manvettom, president of the All Kerala Railway Users Association, said the proposed infrastructure would provide a safer and more convenient pathway for passengers switching between train and Metro services, particularly benefiting senior citizens, families and those carrying heavy luggage.

The Railways is also planning to construct a covered walkway connecting the ticket counter to the main entrance of Ernakulam South railway station to protect daily commuters from heavy rain and extreme heat, he added.

During the meeting, passenger representatives also urged the Railways to expedite the extension of all six platforms at Ernakulam Junction. Currently, except Platform 1, the remaining platforms cannot accommodate 24-coach trains, resulting in some long-distance trains halting at outer signals and contributing to operational delays.

Railway authorities informed the committee that platform extension work on Platform 2 is underway, while expansion work for Platforms 3 and 4 will begin shortly.

The association also sought the installation of escalators and lifts on all platforms at Ernakulam Junction to improve accessibility for senior citizens, pregnant women and passengers with disabilities.

Other demands raised during the meeting included introducing a daily passenger train between Kottayam and Ernakulam Junction during the 3 pm to 4 pm period, when no service is currently available, and launching a direct train service from Ernakulam to Puducherry to benefit students and travellers from Kerala.

The DRUCC meeting brings together railway officials and passenger representatives to discuss improvements in train services, station facilities and commuter-related issues.