NE INFRA BUREAU
KOLLAM, FEB 14
In a major leap toward enhancing passenger amenities and station accessibility, Union Minister of State for Railways and Petroleum & Natural Gas Suresh Gopi inaugurated Kerala’s first-ever Multi-Level Car Parking (MLCP) facility at Kollam Junction railway station on Saturday.
A total of 370+ vehicles can be parked at a time in the new MLCP building at Kollam.#IndianRailways #SouthernRailway #TVCSR #Train #Railways@GMSRailway @RailMinIndia pic.twitter.com/vEqDF26kTO
— DRM Thiruvananthapuram (@drm_tvc) February 14, 2026
Constructed at a cost of ₹29 crore, the five-storey parking complex with a built-up area of approximately 11,450 square metres marks a significant milestone in the ongoing redevelopment of the historic station, aimed at improving passenger convenience, safety and last-mile connectivity.
A New Chapter for #Kerala Railways
Hon’ble MoS Shri Suresh Gopi unveils the commemorative plaque, marking a significant milestone in our journey toward a world-class transit experience.
Together, we’re building a faster, stronger, and better-connected Railway. #IndianRailways… pic.twitter.com/xsZgTllwsZ— DRM Thiruvananthapuram (@drm_tvc) February 14, 2026
- ₹29-crore five-storey facility transforms station access, reduces congestion and enhances commuter convenience
- MEMU trains upgraded to 12 coaches from Feb 23, significantly improving travel comfort for daily passengers
- Modern infrastructure milestone accelerates redevelopment of Kollam Junction into world-class passenger-friendly rail hub
Unveiling the commemorative plaque, the Minister underscored the importance of modern infrastructure in transforming the commuter experience.
“This modern facility reflects the Government of India’s commitment to strengthening last-mile connectivity and improving station access. The MLCP will significantly streamline vehicular movement, reduce congestion, and provide organized and secure parking for passengers and visitors,” said Suresh Gopi.
The facility, executed by the Construction Wing, Ernakulam, is expected to ease traffic bottlenecks around the station premises while providing safe, structured parking for passengers, visitors and railway users.
Major Travel Comfort Boost as MEMU Services Get Expanded
In another major passenger-centric announcement, the Minister revealed that MEMU train services will be permanently upgraded from 8 coaches to 12 coaches with effect from February 23, substantially increasing passenger carrying capacity and reducing overcrowding.
The augmentation will apply to the following MEMU Express services:
- Train Nos. 66609/66610 Palakkad–Ernakulam–Palakkad MEMU
- Train Nos. 06169/06170 Kollam–Ernakulam–Kollam MEMU
- Train Nos. 66316/66315 Kollam–Kottayam–Kollam MEMU
The enhanced capacity is expected to provide significant relief to daily commuters, improving travel comfort and operational efficiency.
Kollam Junction Emerges as Modern Passenger-Friendly Rail Hub
Public representatives including MP N.K. Premachandran, Mayor A.K. Hafeez and MLA M. Naushad highlighted the transformative impact of redevelopment initiatives at Kollam Junction, noting that the project strengthens the station’s role as a key transport hub in Kerala.
Divisional Railway Manager Divyakant Chandrakar reiterated Indian Railways’ commitment to infrastructure modernization and delivering world-class passenger amenities, while Chief Administrative Officer Om Prakash welcomed dignitaries at the event.
The inauguration of Kerala’s first railway multi-level car parking facility represents a major step toward improving accessibility, convenience and commuter experience, reinforcing Indian Railways’ broader vision of modern, passenger-centric infrastructure.
