Some information on the future of Cochin Harbour Terminus (CHTS)
Importance:
1. The station could act as a satellite station to Ernakulam Jn., which unlike the case of Kochuveli( Trains from Kochuveli skip the main station Trivandrum, plus the station remains inaccessible by public vehicle) will not skip Ernakulam Jn. And has amble bus / boat connectivity.
2. The cost needed to revamp the station would...
more... not that high, since mainline is intact, partly due to active goods services, and platforms are in good shape too.
3. The line serve Cochin port which now rely on bulk cargo for its survival. Bulk cargo like coal used to get transported by train.But due to non-electrified line from Ernakulam to Cochin Harbour Terminus (CHTS) the cost of transportation has increased and thus ships have started skipping Cochin port there by bringing down revenues of both railways and port. Once if the Cochin Harbour Terminus (CHTS) passenger terminal gets an impetus, then the line may get electrified so that the Cochin port could survive in future.
4. Even though lot of trains used to start from Cochin Harbour Terminus (CHTS) the station got abandoned later.This happened since only some long distance trains started from there.Once the commuter trains(passenger & day time express ) are extended the station could attract daily passengers,which will ensure that the station will not meet the same fate as today in future
Advantages:
1.Two platforms and lines are in good shape
2.Both the platforms have roofing
3.Platform length roughly 330m.That would mean a 15-coach train could be easily accommodated.
4.The station is located in between two main bus routes on Willingdon Island,Kochi.There is a bus stop in front of the station.
5.There is ample space available for constructing more platforms and other amenities.
6.The terminal jetty located about 1 km from the station is another way to access the station.
7.Mattancheri wharf(from which most passenger ships operate is very near Cochin Harbour Terminus (CHTS).
8.The passenger trains from Ernakulam to Kottayam , Kayamkulam , Shornur , Kollam , Guruvayur could be oeprated from Cochin Harbour Terminus (CHTS) with the existing facilities.(Allapuzha-Kayamkulam Passenger not included).Paltform berthing would not be an issue at all.
9.The line could bring revenue for railways from freight
Challenges:
1.Navy's objection to electrify the line from Ernakulam Jn. to Cochin Harbour Terminus (CHTS).
2.The level crossing on the national highway may turn into an issue in future if more trains are operated from Cochin Harbour Terminus (CHTS).
3.Poor patronage for the trains from Cochin Harbour Terminus (CHTS) in the past may not encourage railways to operate long distance and express trains.
4.The station’s yard needs to be extended to accommodate express trains. No fund has been allocated to the station in the last many years.
5.Trains to Allapuzha will have loco reversal at Ernakulum Jn.(not necessary for MEMU)
6. There are no concrete moves from any quarters to support the cause of Cochin Harbour Terminus (CHTS).
