Kottayam: The passengers who arrive at Ernakulam from Kottayam regularly are delighted with the opening of Kochi Metro’s new terminal at Thripunithura. The Thripunithura terminal is the last station in the first phase of the urban rail network that grants easy access to Kochi city. The commuters can swiftly reach the city before moving to their preferred destinations.
Where is the metro station?
The metro terminal is close to the Thripunithura railway station. Those who deboard at the first platform could walk to the metro station. The trains that arrive from the Kottayam side stop at the first platform at the Thripunithura railway station.
What are the advantages?
Trains travelling from Thripunithura to South (Ernakulam Junction) and North (Ernakulam Town) railway stations often get delayed due to many reasons including a shortage of availability of platforms. The metro service would be helpful in situations like this. All it takes is fifteen minutes to reach the metro terminal near the South railway station from Thripunithura terminal. Meanwhile, you could reach the Town Hall station, near the North railway station in less than twenty-five minutes from here.
All the express trains, except Venad Express, coming from Kottayam travel to the North railway station. The metro service from Thripunithura would benefit those who need to reach various spots around the Ernakulam South railway station including Medical Trust Hospital and Cochin Shipyard. The passengers arriving in the express trains could deboard at Thripunithura and travel to their destinations in the metro. Besides, it's easy to reach Vytila from the metro terminal at Thripunithura.
Can it benefit the bus passengers?
Currently, the buses that come from Kottayam do not stop near the Thripunithura railway station. So, those who arrive by bus should get down at Vadakkekotta before catching the metro train here. Moreover, travellers can park their private vehicles at the Thripunithura metro parking area and then take the train.
Future satellite hub
There are plans to move the bus stand at Thripunithura to an area close to the railway station. Then the bus, train and metro services would be available in the same vicinity, making Thripunithura a major satellite hub of Kochi city. This would benefit the passengers who arrive in trains and busses from the Kottayam side.