Thiruvananthapuram’s ambitious railway development plans are encountering significant hurdles as Southern Railway cuts back on key infrastructure elements, threatening the region’s transport capacity. Despite the allocation of approximately ₹439 crore to upgrade Thiruvananthapuram Central and an additional ₹100 crore for expanding Thiruvananthapuram South (Nemom), the reduced number of pit lines at both stations could hinder the region’s ability to accommodate new trains.
Originally, the master plan for Thiruvananthapuram South station included the construction of five new pit lines. However, this has now been reduced to just three, according to Thiruvananthapuram MP, who voiced concerns about the project’s limited scope. This scaling back could significantly impact the operational efficiency of the station, which was expected to handle more trains and alleviate the overcrowding at the existing Thiruvananthapuram Central station. The Central station, already operating at full capacity with only five pit lines, has become increasingly congested, forcing the railways to shift maintenance work to Nagercoil and Thiruvananthapuram North (Kochu Veli). This lack of capacity is preventing the launch of new train services and limiting the expansion of services from the state capital.
Railway enthusiasts and local activists are voicing frustration over this missed opportunity to enhance the city’s infrastructure. Friends on Rails’ General Secretary, emphasised the need for a long-term vision in planning railway development projects. With limited facilities, the promise of better connectivity and growth may remain unfulfilled. For passengers and commuters, the prospect of expanded services seems unlikely to materialise unless the railway authorities reconsider their plans and prioritise long-term infrastructure development that can support future growth. Sustainable transport growth demands not just infrastructure, but also foresight to meet rising demand without compromise.
