Coimbatore: In a significant step towards easing congestion and meeting the rising demand for train services, Southern Railway has begun developing Podanur station as the second terminal for Coimbatore city with a sanctioned investment of ₹100 crore. The move is expected to transform passenger movement, reduce operational stress on Coimbatore Junction, and create sustainable capacity for one of Tamil Nadu’s fastest-growing cities.Podanur, among the oldest railway stations in the region, is already undergoing a substantial makeover under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with 80 per cent of the work reported completed.
The current phase of development is aimed at modernising station facilities, while parallel infrastructure upgrades will prepare Podanur to function as a full-fledged terminal.According to senior railway officials, land constraints at Coimbatore Junction have long hampered its expansion, leading to operational bottlenecks. By positioning Podanur as an alternate hub, Southern Railway seeks to optimise passenger and cargo handling while also supporting the city’s growing travel demand. The ₹100 crore sanction is earmarked for creating pit line and stabling line facilities, crucial for handling originating and terminating trains.While the station upgrade under the Amrit Bharat scheme is nearing completion, with roofing and entry point enhancements in their final stages, the larger terminal infrastructure will take longer. Officials confirmed that the construction of pit lines, installation of electrical systems, and laying of new tracks will require at least two years before Podanur can officially function as Coimbatore’s second terminal.
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Experts tracking urban mobility highlight that Coimbatore, an industrial hub with expanding suburban growth, has witnessed an exponential rise in rail traffic. An additional terminal is expected not only to increase operational efficiency but also to boost regional connectivity, enabling new long-distance train services and supporting eco-friendly mobility options.The project also aligns with the broader agenda of Indian Railways to modernise city terminals while balancing sustainability. By reducing congestion at Coimbatore Junction and dispersing traffic between two terminals, emissions caused by idling trains and delays could be minimised, indirectly contributing to greener transport solutions.For now, commuters and the business community await the commissioning of Podanur as a terminal that could redefine Coimbatore’s connectivity to the rest of India. Once complete, the development is poised to significantly enhance travel convenience, reduce overcrowding, and create a more sustainable urban mobility ecosystem.
