Kochi: The railways have in-principle approved formation of a new railway station at Elavally in Thrissur-Guruvayur route where the local panchayat is meeting all expenses of land and other infrastructure.
“Divisional Railway Manager Prakash Bhutani on Saturday made the third and final visit of the project area and conveyed the readiness of the railways in allotting a railway station there. It has been our demand for the last 25 years and we’ve even gave in writing to meet the infrastructure cost,” said U.K. Lathika, Elavally Panchayat president.
A senior railway official too confirmed the move to set up the station. “We’ve earlier recommended for the station there following the local demand. It’s the first time a panchayat is coming forward and agreeing to meet the full establishment cost. This needs the approval at the General Manager level and need not to the taken to the railway board. The same has been now received,” the officer said.
The move is expected to benefit hundreds of people from Elavally and neighbouring three panchayats to have easy access to Thrissur and Guruvayur towns.
“Elavally is located 20 kms from Thrissur. If we go by the road, it will take over an hour while it’s just 10 minutes ride in train. We’re raising the demand since the time the train operation started in the section (Thrissur-Guruvayur),” said T.C. Mohanan, panchayat Vice President.
The panchayat has already started the process to acquire 3.5 acre land for setting up the railway station along with the necessary offices and a rail overbridge, he said. “The land owners have agreed to hand over the title deed and the compensation will be handed over by us after the collector fixes the ‘ponnum-vila’,” he said.
“The railways should develop the upcoming station as a crossing station by setting up a loop line too. This way halting of trains for passage of ones coming from opposite direction in the single line section can be avoided,” said P Krishnakumar, Thrissur Railway Passengers’ Association.
