17-05-2024: Kollam, Kerala – The redevelopment of Kollam Junction, Kerala’s second busiest railway station, is progressing rapidly under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. With an average daily footfall of 47,000 passengers, As per Southrern Railway the revamped station promises state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure on par with international standards.
Project Overview
The redevelopment project, awarded as an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract in August 2022, is valued at ₹361.18 crore with a completion timeline of 39 months. The project aims to enhance both the Southern and Northern sides of the existing station building, providing world-class amenities and better passenger movement.
Southern Terminal
The new 3-storey Southern Terminal, covering an area of 22,655 sq.m, will feature:
- Ample passenger circulation space
- Booking and baggage scanning areas
- Waiting halls and information centers
- Helpline booths, restaurants, and security outposts
Northern Terminal
The G+1 Northern Terminal, with an area of 918 sq.m, will include:
- Ticket counters and booking offices
- Retail kiosks and arrival/departure lobbies
- Dedicated drop-off and pick-up points
The Northern Terminal is strategically located near NH 744 for easy access.
Air Concourse
A significant addition to Kollam Junction is the air concourse, connecting all passenger platforms and the Southern and Northern Terminals. Spanning 36 meters in width and covering 4,780 sq.m, the air concourse will offer:
- Segregated passenger movement
- Waiting areas and food & beverage counters
- Easy transfer via lifts, escalators, and stairs
- Clear visibility of platforms and access to parking, bus bays, and pathways
Escalators and Lifts
The redevelopment will introduce 14 new escalators and 18 new lifts to facilitate easier movement. The Southern Terminal will have 10 escalators and 8 lifts, while the Northern Terminal will have 4 escalators and 2 lifts.
Multi-Level Car Parking
A G+4 multi-level car parking structure with EV charging facilities is planned, accommodating 160 cars and 292 two-wheelers. The circulating area at the Southern Terminal will have designated drop-off and pick-up points, along with a bus bay.
Progress So Far
Key milestones achieved include:
- Completion of site surveys and master plan validation
- Construction of site office, laboratory, and storage facilities
- Completion of gang restrooms and safety barricading
- Demolition of existing buildings for Phase 1
- Installation of concrete batching plants
- Shifting of various facilities to temporary locations
Ongoing Work
Current activities include:
- Finishing stages of service and SSE buildings
- Piling and slab concreting for the South Terminal
- Foundation work for foot overbridges (FOB) and escalators
- Concreting for the multi-level car parking’s third floor
- Piling for the air concourse and parcel building foundations
Overall, the physical work progress stands at 25%, with financial progress at 20%. The redevelopment of Kollam Junction is on track to deliver a modern, efficient, and passenger-friendly railway station.