KOZHIKODE: Kozhikode railway station is waiting to become a prominent railway hub as it is the lone station in the state and among the 23 stations in the country to undergo major development works under Public-Private-Partnership (PPP). According to the project which was drafted a couple of years back, Rs 322 crore worth development works would take place at Kozhikode railway station, thereby converting the station into a commercial-cum-recreational point. On February 8, the expression of interest for the development of the 23 stations would be invited by the Union Railway Ministry.
“As many as 60,000 people visit Kozhikode railway station daily on an average. Apart from boarding and unboarding the train, there is no other activity involving these large numbers of people. This could be tapped using the 4.4 acres of railway land in the prime location of the city for commercial and recreational purposes,” says M.K Raghavan MP, who is at the forefront of getting the project.
According to a project prepared by the Kerala Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organisation Ltd (KITCO) in 2009, Kozhikode will be raised to world class level through integration with other modes of transport, better Station environment and providing passenger amenities and services of international standards. Connectivity with Public Transport/MRTS, more Pre-paid auto/taxi zones, Skywalks to Bus Terminals/Metro Stations is the salient feature of the project.
Though Thiruvananth-apuram Central and Ernakulam Junction stations were also in the list in the beginning, the completion of a slew of activities like setting up an executive lounge were in favour of Zamorin’s city. According to All India Rail Users’ Association working chairman C.E. Chakunni, if the development is being done according to the plan, it would herald a path breaking change in the history of Kozhikode. KITCO’s plan is subjected to change, according to the private bidders who get awarded the work.
