When the track doubling from Mangalore to Thiruvananthapuram became a reality, Malayalees expected more train services. But it remains a dream. The development of Kochuveli was to be completed along with the doubling of the track. No planning was done for this. The main impediment to further services is said to be the lack of facilities to accommodate more trains at Thiruvananthapuram Central and Kochuveli stations. There is no space for development at the Thiruvananthapuram terminal. With that in mind, Kochuveli was developed. Initially, six platform lines were proposed here. Kochuveli's development came to life when O Rajagopal was the Union Minister. But then again, development seems to have slowed down there and is now almost stagnant. Currently, only four platforms have been developed. There are two more left. If it is built, there will be space here to accomodate more trains.

Apart from trains arriving at Kochuveli, the Kerala Express and Kannur trains arriving at Thiruvananthapuram Central are also maintained at Kochuveli. The plan called for five lines for maintenance. But now there are only three lines. Similarly, the plan to develop Nemom as another terminal is lying dormant. Political leaders and MPs in the state are not careful to take up any of this and press for its completion. It is the train passengers who suffer the consequences. It has long been alleged that the Southern Railway is more interested in the development of railways in Tamil Nadu. The officials here are not doing their homework for the minimum development in Kerala.

The land has been acquired in Nemom for the railway development. There is still some space to be taken up. The Railways has applied for land acquisition but the required funds were not allocated and final approval to the estimate wasn't given. In addition to land acquisition, the revised estimate is Rs 117 crore. Five stabilizing lines, two platform lines and shunting lines are to come in the first phase. The Government of Kerala should show at least a slight percent of interest shown in the matter of K-Rail for the development of terminals. The Union Ministry of Railways will never refuse if the homework is done properly and the plans are prepared and submitted. Kerala needs to at least see and study the partisanship of the lawmakers in Tamil Nadu in the development of the state. Kerala is one of the best revenue earning states for railways in both ticket and non-ticket categories. But it is unfortunate that proportional development has not taken place in the state.