Thiruvananthapuram: Southern Railway is set to invite tenders for the final phase of infrastructure development under the master plan for Thiruvananthapuram North (Kochuveli) railway station, marking another milestone in the ongoing transformation of the capital’s railway network.The upcoming phase of the project includes the construction of two new stabling lines and one pit line. These facilities will significantly enhance the station’s capacity for train parking, inspection and maintenance, enabling Thiruvananthapuram North to handle a larger number of originating and terminating services. The expansion is expected to strengthen the station’s role as a major terminal, particularly as passenger traffic continues to grow in the state capital.The tender for the works is expected to be floated shortly, paving the way for the completion of the station’s master plan. Railway officials expect the additional infrastructure to improve operational efficiency and reduce congestion by increasing the station’s terminal handling capacity.The development at Thiruvananthapuram North is part of a series of major railway infrastructure projects currently under way across the district. These include the doubling of the Thiruvananthapuram–Kanyakumari railway line, the rail connectivity project to Vizhinjam International Seaport, the redevelopment of Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station, expansion of the proposed Thiruvananthapuram South terminal, and station modernisation works at Neyyattinkara, Varkala and Chirayinkeezhu.In addition, plans are progressing for a new container rail yard near Balaramapuram, which is expected to support freight movement linked to the Vizhinjam port.Railway sources said these projects are not standalone initiatives but part of a comprehensive strategy to reshape the railway infrastructure of the capital region. With Thiruvananthapuram Central, North and the proposed South terminal emerging as three key railway hubs, supported by port rail connectivity, container handling facilities, station redevelopment and line doubling, the city’s rail network is poised for a significant upgrade.
