Ernakulam Goods Revisited
Dream of a pioneer... King Rajrishi... Now taken over by his successors and his subjects. This station was built by the enterprising king of Cochin, Rama Varma 15. This was the headquarters of his railway company, "Cochin Shornaur Railway Company". The Company owned the Ernakulam-Shoranaur Metre Gauge line. He built the railway without any help from the British. Financially strapped, he had to sell of his royal jewellery to complete the project. This station was built in the outhouse of his palace, Ram Mohan Palace, presently the High Court of Kerala. Sadly, he had to abdict from his throne since he sided the Germans during World War I. The name of this benevolent king, father of modern Kochi, or even modern Kerala has been completely erased from history, thanks to the British, and to his successors. It is almost after a century his legacy is being restudied and retold by Kochinites. Demand for renovation of this station is one effect of this revival. Southern Railway is seriously considering renovating the station to a Suburban terminus, or an alternate terminus for trains starting from Ernakulam Jn.
Ernakulam Goods, once Ernakulam Terminus. wakes up from decades of neglect. Thanks to the recent interest shown by politicians and local people, the area was cleared up for inspection and feasibility study on a Suburban terminal for Ernakulam. This is the
The entrance to the 105 acre prime property in the heart of Cochin. You can see various banners demanding renovation of the station. The one on the left demands proper repatriation of people who have been living unauthorized in the premises of the station
View from the gate
This was the old railway station building for the public.
This was the waiting room for the royal family. Even in its distress, the building still looks beautiful
The original italian tiles inside the kings waiting room still survive!!
The building has been built with red sandstone bricks. Specialty of the area
Platform looking to the ordinary man's side. The area was not cleared for inspection
This side of the platform has been cleared. Ready to receive a WAP 4?? :-)
Ernakulam Goods - painted for the first time in more than fifty years!!
One day will we see a busy station here? Look at the area that can be utilized for railway construction
Dream of king Rajrishi... Now taken over by his successors and his subjects. The station was built by the enterprising king of Cochin, Rama Varma 15. This was the headquarters of his railway company, "Cochin Shornaur Railway Company". He built t
A cute disused bunglow
You can see the number of tracks. You can imagine how busy this station must have been in its heydays
The vacant area is enormous. 105 acre for the station area alone. That too in the middle of Kochi. Sadly Railways refuse to hand over the property to the Government for development. A rain forest in the heart of Kochi. Ideal for a railway park
Another quarters in deep neglect
View of the once busy goods shed
Local residents who have been staying at this forlone piece of history
This store was never visited by a train. it was used to store electrification equipments
Interesting construction of the gods shed
We Kochinites sincerely hope railways stop this cruel neglect of Ernakulam Goods and convert it to something useful. Maybe a terminus, or at least a good railway park
Recent comments
Many thanks, Jimmy for a superb album.
It will be a tragedy if these wonderful buildings are not properly restored
Posted by David Churchill on 2014 Mar 15 11:14:30 +0000
Thanks a lot Jimmy for the album! Lovely coverage! I hope they restore the line soon..
Posted by Avishek Basu on 2014 Mar 10 13:37:14 +0000
Nice album!!
Posted by Alex P. John on 2014 Mar 10 13:00:12 +0000