RailEnquiry

KOCHI: Following acute shortage of funds to upgrade Ernakulam Junction railway station, the railways is planning to reach out to local stakeholders, including elected representatives and businesses, for financial assistance.The blueprint for the station, which took more than a year to prepare, has incorporated local architecture, ambience and world class amenities for passengers. The proposal includes roofing of foot overbridge, platforms, extension of concourse, executive lounges similar to those at airports with internet and WiFi facilities, refreshment rooms and cloakroom."As per the plans to upgrade the station, several measures have already taken, including the widening of entrances, relocating the prepaid autorickshaw counter and information counters. These have helped to reduce congestion in the station by one-third," said Rajesh Agrawal, divisional railway manager, Thiruvananthapuram.Discussions with public representatives, trade bodies, banks and others will be held soon, he said. Agrawal said that they have already requested Southern Railway to sanction Rs12 crore for upgradation of the station. "They may or may not sanction it. We want to bring in local stakeholders. If we can mobilize Rs1-2 crore, it will be great," he said. "If the required funds are mobilized locally, all work can be completed within three to six months," divisional railway manager said. The railway has already made a series of presentations to colleges, state government and Technopark authorities.