Call for safety audit of stations under Southern Railway

Sirajudheen Ellathodi, a member of the Southern Railway Zonal Railway Users Consultative Committee (ZRUCC) and secretary of the Calicut Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), has called for a safety audit of all stations under Southern Railway in the wake of a fire that destroyed around 500 motorcycles parked at Thrissur Railway Station on Sunday (January 4, 2026) morning.

In a memorandum submitted to the Southern Railway General Manager, Mr. Ellathodi demanded that an inquiry be conducted under the General Manager’s direct supervision. He said a comprehensive safety audit of all railway stations should be carried out, with particular focus on parking areas, waiting halls, platforms and other public utility spaces.

Mr. Ellathodi said fire safety and security measures, including fire detection systems, firefighting equipment, surveillance and emergency response protocols, should be strengthened.

Stressing the need to compensate owners of the damaged motorcycles, the ZRUCC member said Southern Railway must place greater emphasis on enhancing safety and security across all railway stations. “Immediate intervention is required to restore public confidence in railway infrastructure,” he added.