Southern Railway plans to establish logistics facilities at Angamaly and Karukutty railway stations under its Thiruvananthapuram division as part of efforts to increase rail freight movement and strengthen Kerala’s logistics network. The facilities will be developed and operated by private parties on surplus railway land through a competitive bidding process.
Logistics Facilities on Railway Land
Around 4,400 square feet of land is available at Angamaly station, while Karukutty has approximately 3,000 square feet available for the proposed facilities. Private operators will receive land-use licences and be responsible for developing the required infrastructure.
The facilities could accommodate warehouses, silos, cold-chain infrastructure, micro-fulfilment centres, cargo-scanning facilities and other value-added logistics services. The initiative aims to attract more freight to railways and connect local logistics operations with the wider national supply chain.
25-Year Initial Lease Term
According to railway officials, the land will be leased through open, competitive bidding, with annual lease charges payable in advance under Railway Board policy. The initial contract term is 25 years, with the commencement of the period linked to site handover and commissioning conditions.
At the end of each term, the contract will be put up for fresh tendering. Existing developers may receive a first right of refusal if they match the highest bid and have no outstanding dues. The land earmarked for Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals is excluded from this arrangement.
Strengthening Kerala’s Freight Network
The proposed facilities come amid rising cargo movement through Kochi airport, particularly in the fast-moving consumer goods segment. By expanding rail-based logistics options, Southern Railway aims to improve freight handling and integrate railway services more closely with regional businesses and distribution networks.
The development of these facilities could provide additional options for cargo storage, handling and onward transportation. However, the final infrastructure, operator selection and implementation details will depend on the railway tendering process.
