Kozhikode railway station redevelopment ‘dragging’

The redevelopment of Kozhikode railway station, a ₹450 crore initiative to upgrade it to international standards, appears to be making slow progress.

The project, designed with a vision for the next 40 years, aims to transform the station into a modern, passenger-friendly terminal equipped with upgraded infrastructure, enhanced amenities, and improved aesthetics in line with Indian Railways’ vision for world-class stations.

The redevelopment includes the demolition of more than 90% of the existing buildings at the railway station. The work is being carried out in a phased manner, without affecting the normal functioning of the station.

Commenced in 2023

The Malabar Train Action Committee (MTAC) noted that the station redevelopment project, which commenced in September 2023, was dragging, with only 18% of the work completed so far. The committee said the project, originally scheduled for completion by December 2026, had now been pushed to mid-2027.

“Against the required workforce of around 400 workers, only about 100 workers are currently deployed at the site. The failure of the contractor to ensure adequate manpower, coupled with the lack of strict monitoring by the Railways, has led to this serious delay. The situation is likely to worsen further with the onset of the monsoon season,” said Paul Varghese, general secretary, MTAC.

As the work is progressing slowly, severe traffic congestion has been reported in and around the station premises and adjoining roads. The MTAC demanded the formation of a coordinated monitoring mechanism involving the government, Kozhikode corporation, and trade and industry organisations.

Last week, Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi chaired a review meeting at Kozhikode railway station to assess the progress of the ongoing redevelopment works. Mr. Gopi reviewed the progress of key components of the project, such as modernisation of station buildings, upgradation of passenger amenities, and improvement of circulating areas. “It was informed that the present phase of the works is targeted for timely completion,” Southern Railway said in a statement.

An elaborate multi-level parking facility, sewage treatment plants, surface parking, additional escalators and lifts, and dormitories will be part of the renovated railway station.