KOLLAM: The Kollam railway station is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade to meet international standards with the Delhi-based construction company striving to meet the 39-month contract deadline. The station's inclusion in non-suburban grade 3 (NSG) attributed to an annual income exceeding 20 crores has paved the way for this transformation.

The construction progress includes 200 completed piles out of 217 for the multi-level parking center. Construction of Parcel Office and South Terminal will commence soon. All necessary permissions for new buildings are secured and topographical survey, drone survey, soil exploration and master plan approval are finalized.

To accommodate the upgrades, existing office buildings were demolished and 36 offices were relocated. A site office, laboratory system and collection system are in place. Flyover construction has commenced since the renovation contract was awarded on August 26 last year.

The Kollam railway station with 1.6 crore annual passengers and a daily influx of 47,000 stands as the second busiest in the state. The renovation cost amounts to 361.81 crores covering the construction of buildings and gang guest rooms, ensuring swift completion and operational readiness.

Railway authorities emphasize the station's substantial increase in passenger numbers and its transformation mirroring standards akin to an airport.