Vadakala Railway Station is waiting for the inauguration ceremony after major renovation

The Vadakara Train Station in Kozhikode is the first company in Kerala to undergo renovation under the Amrit Bharat Station program. |Picture source: Special arrangement

Vadakara Railway Station is the only station in Kozhikode District developed under the Amrit Bharat Station Program (ABS), and is awaiting the formal inauguration after renovation work is completed. According to railway sources, although the first phase of the renovation work has been completed, the official inauguration date has not yet been determined. This is also the first station in Kerala and its work has been completed under the plan.

Vadakara Railway Station (also known as Badagara -Station Code: BDJ) is the main station under the Palakkad Division of the Southern Railway on the Shoranur-Mangaluru route. Of the 30,82 crore approved by the project, Rs 2,166 crore has been spent at the current stage. The second phase of the renovation will begin later.

Most of the funds are spent on landscaping, especially the 5,500 m2 front yard and the 1,140 m2 entrance. A large pond in front of the porch has simplified traffic flow and is one of the key features of the renovated station. Both sides of the pond and the surrounding garden are paved with 15 meters wide access and exit roads.

The layout of the front of the radio has been redesigned and includes a spacious 8,582 m2 parking lot.

A vertical garden with modern lighting and seating arrangements is part of the landscaping process.

The main building is rebuilt in the traditional Kerala architecture style, which includes ceramic tile roofs and murals. Ticket counters and platforms have been upgraded with modern finishes. Now the well-lit platform includes ample seating, fans, CCTV cameras and drinking water dispensers. All three platforms are equipped with new LED coach position display boards.

Escalators and elevators were installed near the footbridge, and additional lifts and escalators were planned in the second phase. An air-conditioned waiting hall is also introduced, with the public access to a fee of Rs 30 per hour.