Kottayam: The Kottayam railway station will have two entrances once the ongoing renovation with a Central grant of Rs 20 crore is over. The main entrance to be built in the traditional Kerala style will depict the cultural hallmarks of the region.

A second entrance to the station will be constructed on the road leading to the goods shed. Works are also progressing to increase the number of platforms from three to five.

The Central Government has allotted the amount following several rounds of talks to raise the railway station building to international standards, said Jose K Mani, MP.

Multilevel parking

The construction of a state-of-the-art multilevel parking lot for two-wheelers is fast progressing at the station. An amount of Rs 1.65 crore has been earmarked for the facility that is being erected using steel nut and bolts. It is being built in such a way that the structure can be dismantled and restructured according to the availability of space.

The existing foot overbridge will be widened so as to link all the five platforms and laid with tiles on the lines of the much-lauded Thiruvananthapuram station.

Priority will be given to improve the basic amenities of the commuters and pilgrims who throng the station. Water coolers will be installed at rest rooms besides arrangements will be made for undisrupted supply of potable water.

Modernisation of booking counters and installation of information boards, display boards, commuter-friendly counters and touch screens are also on the cards as part of the ongoing renovation.