Historic Old Railway Station in Kochi faces shocking neglect

The historic Old Railway Station premises in Ernakulam could offer local residents an escape from the hustle and bustle of Kochi city, but it is now in a pathetic condition. Ask anyone in Kochi about the route to this place and nobody would have even heard of any railway station other than North and South.

However, Google Maps can show you the way and a visit to this eerily beautiful place would be an eye-opener. Once a stately structure, the 'Ernakulam Goods' railway station is now an abandoned place with a crumbling building overgrown with wild greenery.

Ironically, no one seems to remember that it was at this very railway station that Swami Vivekananda and Rabindranath Tagore set foot during their visit to Kochi. Mahatma Gandhi, too, had arrived here while heading to Vaikom to take part in the path-breaking agitation related to the temple there.

According to legend, Rama Varma, the Maharaja of Kochi, had sold the golden ornamental coverings of elephants belonging to Poornathrayeesa Temple to fund the development of this railway station.

The first train reached here on July 16, 1902. Passenger train services were conducted regularly till 1960, but modernization of South and North railway stations sounded the death knell for the Old Railway Station. In 2001, the government converted the station into a goods shed, but that, too, was gradually abandoned.

Among the other notable historical figures who used the Old Railway station are Robert Bristow and Lord Irwin. Bristow was instrumental in giving Kochi the present shape.

But presently the surroundings of the Old Railway Station remind a visitor of the wooded Cherukara station on the Shoranur-Nilambur route even though the place is hardly 500 m from Banerjee Road, one of the busiest areas in Kochi city.

An eerie atmosphere prevails with the dilapidated building, old railway tracks and the darkness created by thickly growing trees that prevent sunlight from reaching the ground.

The owner of the nearest shop warns curious visitors enquiring with him about the path to the Old Railway Station that they better keep off. People living in the neighbourhood are wary of anti-social elements who have made the station their den. No wonder this large plot measuring 42 acres is now haunted as far as the local people are concerned and they never even consider venturing into it.

But even now there is hope for better days. The station premises can be included in the tourism projects of Kochi and suitable renovation carried out. It would then be a boon for the residents eager to find a place to relax in the heart of the city.