Thu Sep 04 19:44:01 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

**Headline: Commuters Face Chaos at Ernakulam Junction as Redevelopment Stalls, Road Deteriorates**

**KOCHI, September 5, 2025** – Passengers using the Ernakulam Junction railway station (ERS) are facing increasing difficulties due to significant delays in the station’s ₹300 crore redevelopment project and the appalling condition of the access road. The deadline for completion, including a skywalk to the adjacent Kochi Metro station, passed in August, but only about 20% of the work is finished.

The road leading to the station is riddled with potholes and poorly lit, creating a “nightmarish ride” for commuters. Balaji Krishnan, a frequent train traveler, described the area outside the barricaded worksites as cramped, with passengers forced to navigate dirty water after rainfall. The eastern entry is in better condition, however, is inaccessible due to the lack of lifts and escalators. Stray dogs further add to the challenging environment.

The Kerala Railway Users’ Association (KERUA) had previously urged the Railway to maintain a raised, roofed carriageway during the redevelopment to mitigate waterlogging. “Despite the metro station being located next door, commuters have to wade through the dirty and potholed carriageway within the station premises to board the metro,” said Leela D., a train commuter. She also stated that commuters jumping off the trains on the low platform cause delay in trains leaving the station.

Southern Railway’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) (Construction), Om Prakash, stated that the contract with the original firm was terminated due to its inability to meet deadlines. A new tender will be opened on September 5, with the remaining work expected to take 24 months following the contract award. In the interim, he said that resurfacing the carriageway with paver blocks has been awarded.

Addressing concerns about platform issues, Railway sources said the contract to raise platform three has been finalized and will be completed by January. There are also plans to eventually extend the four of the six platforms to accommodate trains with up to 24 coaches.

Commuters are hopeful that the Railways will take swift action to improve the situation, streamline traffic flow, and revive the stalled redevelopment project, bringing an end to the current chaos at Ernakulam Junction.

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