History of Railway in Kerala

History of Railway in Kerala:

Kozhikode Railway station 1901

The history and evolution of railway stations in Kerala are closely tied to the development of the railway network in southern India, which played a crucial role in the state's trade, communication, and tourism.

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1. Early Beginnings (Late 19th Century)

Beypore (near Kozhikode) station.

                                           

• The first railway line in Kerala was inaugurated in 1861, connecting Beypore (near Kozhikode) to Tirur, as part of the Madras Railway. This line was essential for transporting goods like spices, coir, and timber to the Madras Presidency ports.
• The initial purpose was predominantly commercial, catering to the colonial economy.

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2. Expansion in the Early 20th Century

• Over the early 1900s, the railway network expanded further south:
  • Shoranur Junction became a pivotal link, connecting the Malabar region with the rest of British India.
  • Railways reached Ernakulam and Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) by the mid-20th century, facilitating passenger and freight transport.
• Trivandrum Central, inaugurated in 1931, became the southernmost hub of Indian Railways and an architectural landmark in Kerala.

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3. Post-Independence Era (1947 onwards)

• Post-independence, the railways in Kerala saw integration into the Southern Railway Zone in 1951.
• Major railway stations like Ernakulam Junction and Thrissur were modernized to handle increasing passenger traffic.

• For Ernakulam Junction 1956 was a momentous year; a year that triggered off a slew of developments that makes it today the busiest railway station in the State.

Kottayam station

• The Kottayam-Ernakulam railway line, which now facilitates traffic between Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram via Kollam was formally opened on October 17, 1956. 
• The Konkan Railway (operational in 1998) connected Kerala to the west coast of India, making Kasargod and Kannur key stations for northbound trains.

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4. Modern Developments (1990s – Present)

• Railway electrification began in the late 1980s, improving efficiency and speed. By the early 2000s, key routes like Shoranur–Ernakulam and Ernakulam–Trivandrum were electrified.
• The Netravati Express and other long-distance trains made Kerala better connected to metros like Mumbai and Delhi.

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5. Role of Kerala Railways Today

• Kerala’s railway network serves as a backbone for its economy, tourism, and daily commuting. Stations like Aluva, Kottayam, and Kollam Junction are integral to both passenger and freight services.
• Stations have also become tourism hubs:
  • Kozhikode is associated with historic spice trade routes.
  • Alappuzha provides easy access to the famed Kerala backwaters.

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Significance of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

• Many of these historically significant stations are part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. This will preserve the cultural essence while upgrading the infrastructure to meet modern needs.