The redevelopment work of the Varkala Sivagiri railway station as part of the Amrit Bharat Station scheme has started. The works are being carried out by various agencies which were appointed for assistance in construction activities by the joint venture of Kerala Rail Development Corporation (KRDCL) and Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL), which won the contract. The station will be redeveloped at an estimated cost of Rs 123.36 crore in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) mode. The construction period is 30 months.

The initial stages of the Varkala station redevelopment are advancing, with the demolition of the station expected to commence next month. After a review meeting, it has been decided to incorporate two entrances in the new station building. The main station building, spanning 9,944 sq. mtrs., will include a departure air-concourse, an arrival foot overbridge (FOB), an extension of the existing FOB, a substation, internal roads, a pathway, and stormwater drains. Moreover, the station design allows for sufficient space for various passenger needs, such as ticketing counters, areas for boarding and deboarding trains, waiting areas, as well as information desks, water facilities, and retail spaces for food and other purposes.

The work, including the demolition of the station, is likely to begin soon. Once the redevelopment is finished, the station will boast a range of enhanced passenger facilities, visually appealing interiors, and an improved overall atmosphere. Additionally, the redeveloped station will offer parking facilities and superior intermodal transport options for passengers. 

Meanwhile, the same agencies have secured the contract for the redevelopment of Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station at an estimated cost of Rs 439 crore in EPC mode.