In response to the increasing demand for additional trains from Coimbatore Junction, the Southern Railway is developing Podanur railway station, one of the oldest stations in Tamil Nadu, as the second terminal for Coimbatore city at a cost of ₹100 crore.
According to an official source, Podanur railway station is already getting a makeover at a cost of ₹24 crore under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme. The source said at least 80 per cent of the work under the scheme has been completed.
“Limited land availability poses a significant challenge to the expansion of Coimbatore railway station. Hence the Southern Railway is developing infrastructure at Podanur railway station with the intention of making it the second terminal in the city. The railway department has sanctioned ₹100 crore for the creation of pit line and stabling line infrastructure,” the source said.
An official attached to the Salem railway division said the ongoing work was not part of the expansion plans. “It is intended to upgrade the station to international standards under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme. While major works are nearing completion, work on platform roofings and the entrance towards Nanjundapuram Road remain unfinished.”
The official said the ongoing work would be completed in a couple of months. “However, work on the pit line might take more than two years. It is a laborious task to establish new tracks, to fetch an electrical line, etc. Only when all these infrastructures are ready, Podanur could be termed the city’s second terminal.”