Railway stations in Tripunithura, Aluva & Alappuzha to get a gourmet makeover

Kochi: Thiruvananthapuram division of Southern Railway is set to introduce ‘premium dine-in restaurants' at Tripunithura, Aluva and Alappuzha railway stations following the success of existing outlets at Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town stations.The decision comes as a response to surging passenger footfalls and the strategic importance of these specific locations. "Tripunithura station serves as a vital link between the rail and metro networks. The station is also poised to become a seamless multimodal hub with the proposed minihub project of Tripunithura municipality," a senior railway official said. The auction for the premium branded outlet is scheduled for Tuesday. Similarly, Aluva station is one of the busiest stops in the region. "We expect a good commuter demand here as well with passengers from both the railway station and nearby KSRTC bus station. The auction for this site will take place on Thursday," the official added. Catering to the tourism heartland, the proposed outlet at Alappuzha will focus on premium seafood and local cuisine, offering travellers a taste of Kerala's heritage right on the platform. For years, the passengers at stations like Tripunithura faced a scarcity of basic amenities. Local advocacy groups have welcomed the move as a long-overdue victory for commuter welfare. "We're happy that the amenities are finally being set up at Tripunithura railway station, which was long neglected. So far, only bottled water could be purchased from the platforms. With these facilities coming up, commuters need not go in search of eateries outside," said V C Jayendran, secretary of Tripunithura Rajanagari Union of Residents Associations (TRURA). The move is not just about convenience; it's a reflection of the stations' growing economic profile. Tripunithura generates a monthly revenue exceeding Rs 1 lakh, justifying the shift towards premium services. By inviting collaborations with branded outlets, Thiruvananthapuram division aims to transform the ‘wait time' into a ‘quality time' experience. The new restaurants are expected to provide hygienic, high-quality dining environments that rival city-centre establishments.