Ernakulam Junction South ERS Railway Station

Ernakulam Junction is the main terminus for the city of Kochi, Kerala. The station handles more than 128 scheduled train services, making it one of the busiest stations in Southern India. The station was first opened as Ernakulam South in 1932. 

The station handles express, superfast, and passenger trains, connecting Kochi to other parts of Kerala and the rest of the country. A total of 28 trains originate from Ernakulam Junction, while many more halt and terminate at the station.

As a key junction point, the Ernakulam Junction offers several facilities and services to passengers, including:

• AC Waiting Hall

The AC waiting room in Ernakulam Junction is open to all passengers for a nominal hourly fee. Inside, passengers can sit on comfortable sofas and enjoy amenities such as Wi-Fi, a kids’ play area, a mini library, and clean washrooms.

• Clean Retiring Rooms

Both AC and non-AC retiring rooms and dormitories are available at the station for nominal charges. Passengers can book Ernakulam Junction retiring rooms conveniently through the IRCTC website with a confirmed PNR status. 

• Food and Refreshment Options

There are numerous stalls and restaurants inside the Ernakulam Junction, serving passengers tea, snacks, and even authentic Kerala-style meals. 

• Free Wi-Fi Access

High-speed Wi-Fi service is available inside the station. Passengers can use this wireless internet service for free for up to 30 minutes.

• Facilities for the Specially-Abled

Ernakulam Junction is India’s first fully disability-friendly railway station. The station has permanent ramps and lifts for easy wheelchair access, trained luggage porters to assist specially abled people, and wheelchair-friendly washrooms.

• Passenger Safety Facilities

The Ernakulam Junction is under CCTV coverage to monitor passenger areas, platforms, and entry/exit points. The live feed is monitored by the Railway Police Force to ensure passenger safety and to tackle issues such as baggage theft. 

• Upcoming Facilities

With the ongoing redevelopment work, the Ernakulam Junction Railway Station is set to introduce several other facilities, including 22 lifts and 14 escalators, a multi-level parking facility, and a skywalk connecting the railway station to the metro station.

Here are a few key details about Ernakulam Junction Railway Station that may help make planning your journey easier:

• Station Code

Ernakulam Junction code is ERS. While this station code is used to manage operations, it can also help passengers identify the station.

• Indian Railway Zone

The station falls under the Thiruvananthapuram railway division of the Southern Railway Zone. It is one of the busiest railway junctions in this railway zone.

• Railway Enquiry Number

You can dial 139 to get help with any railway-related issues and queries. This 24/7 helpline offers help in 12 different languages for travel-related queries, complaints, and emergency assistance. 

• Number of Platforms

Currently, there are six platforms at the Ernakulam Junction Railway Station. However, more platforms will be added to the station in the coming years as part of its expansion and redevelopment plan. 

• Distance from the Airport and Bus Stand

While the Cochin International Airport is located about 37 kilometres away from the station, the KSRTC Bus Station in Ernakulam is just 1.5 kilometres away from the railway station. 

• Parking Facilities

Short- and long-term paid parking options are available for two-wheelers and cars at Ernakulam Junction. Parking areas are located near the main entry (west side), and the east entrance. A premium parking area is now operational as well.

Reaching Ernakulam Junction Railway Station is easy, and there are multiple transport options you can choose from:

• By Metro

Kochi Metro is one of the easiest ways to reach Ernakulam Junction. You can get off at the Ernakulam South Metro Station and walk for about 3 minutes to reach the station.

• By Road

The station is well connected to nearby areas and to major roads across Kochi. This means you can easily reach the station by taxi, auto-rickshaw, app-based cabs, and local buses.

• By Bus

Several KSRTC and private buses connect the station area with different parts of Kochi and nearby towns. The nearest major bus stand is the Ernakulam KSRTC Bus Station. You can take an auto or taxi from the bus stand to reach the station. 

• By Airport

There are no direct buses connecting the airport to the Ernakulam Junction. Taking a cab is the easiest way to reach the station from the Cochin International Airport, and the journey takes about an hour, depending on the traffic.