Kochi’s first railway station, once a vital part of the region’s history, now lies forgotten, buried under layers of nature’s growth and long-term neglect. Situated near the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary at High Court Junction, this historical site was once visited by icons such as Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, and Rabindranath Tagore during their travels to Kochi. Yet, the station, with its connections to significant historical moments, has faded into obscurity, overtaken by creeping plants and piles of dry leaves. If the vegetation were cleared, the sacred footprints of Mahatma Gandhi and the revered figure of Rama Varma Rajarshi, who sacrificed his gold crown to fund the extension of the railway line to Cochin, could be rediscovered.
The Maharaja of Cochin, Rama Varma Rajarshi, who ruled from 1895 to 1914, played a crucial role in advancing the region’s infrastructure. When he sought to extend the railway line from Shoranur to Cochin, he faced financial difficulties, even selling his golden crown to raise the necessary funds. His vision bore fruit on July 16, 1902, when the first train arrived in Cochin.
However, the station lost its relevance after the South Railway Station opened in 1929. It ceased passenger services by 1960 and was eventually repurposed as a goods shed in 2001. With no maintenance or activity, the station building, made of red bricks, started to deteriorate, and the area has now become a jungle-like environment. Despite various proposed redevelopment projects, including a suburban hub and maintenance facilities, nothing has come to fruition. The authorities must act swiftly to preserve this historical gem that offers a glimpse into the rich past of Cochin.
