Kollam Junction is one of the most important railway stations in Kerala and a major rail point in the southern part of the state. It serves Kollam city, nearby coastal areas, students, office travellers, tourists, pilgrims, daily passengers and long-distance travellers. The station is also known by its old name Quilon Junction.
The official station code of Kollam Junction is QLN. The station comes under the Southern Railway zone and the Thiruvananthapuram railway division. It is connected with major railway routes towards Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Punalur, Sengottai and other important destinations in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Public station details list Kollam Junction with 6 platforms and 17 tracks, making it one of Kerala’s major railway stations by railway layout and train handling importance.
Overview of Kollam Junction
| Detail | Information |
| Station Name | Kollam Junction Railway Station |
| Old Name | Quilon Junction |
| Station Code | QLN |
| City | Kollam |
| District | Kollam |
| State | Kerala |
| Railway Zone | Southern Railway |
| Railway Division | Thiruvananthapuram Division |
| Station Category | NSG-2 category station |
| Main Railway Lines | Kollam–Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam–Ernakulam, Kollam–Sengottai |
| Number of Platforms | 6 platforms, including 1A |
| Number of Tracks | Around 17 tracks |
| Station Structure | At-grade railway station |
| Main Entry/Exit | Cantonment / station road side |
| Nearby Areas | Kollam city, Chinnakada, Cantonment, KSRTC bus stand side, beach side, market areas |
| Main Facilities | Ticket counters, waiting areas, parking, food stalls, toilets, drinking water, foot overbridge, MEMU shed, local transport access and redevelopment-linked upgrades |
Kollam Junction Station Code
The station code of Kollam Junction is QLN. This code is used for ticket booking, PNR enquiry, live train running status, reservation chart checking and train schedule searches.
Passengers should not confuse Kollam Junction with nearby smaller stations such as Eravipuram, Mayyanad, Paravur, Kilikollur or Kundara. For the main railway station of Kollam city, the correct station code is QLN.
Location of Kollam Junction
Kollam Junction is located at Cantonment, Kollam, Kerala. The station is close to important city areas, road transport points, markets, hotels and local passenger routes. Its location makes it useful for passengers coming from Kollam city, Chinnakada, beach side, residential areas, educational zones and nearby towns.
Autos, taxis, buses and private vehicles are generally available near the station. Since Kollam is a busy coastal city and a major travel point, the station area can become crowded during peak hours, festival seasons, holiday travel and long-distance train timings.
Railway Zone and Division
Kollam Junction comes under the Southern Railway zone and the Thiruvananthapuram railway division. It is one of the important railway stations in this division because trains move from Kollam in three major directions: towards Thiruvananthapuram, towards Ernakulam and towards Punalur–Sengottai side.
This junction position makes Kollam useful for passengers travelling within Kerala as well as towards Tamil Nadu. Many passengers use the station for journeys towards Thiruvananthapuram, Varkala, Kayamkulam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Punalur, Sengottai, Madurai-side routes and other southern destinations.
Platforms at Kollam Junction
Kollam Junction has 6 platforms, usually listed as 1A, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. The station has around 17 tracks, including lines connected with the MEMU shed. Platform 1A is especially useful for trains towards the Punalur–Sengottai side, while other platforms handle long-distance, passenger and MEMU services.
One special feature of Kollam Junction is the long platform stretch formed by Platform 1 and 1A together. Public station details describe this combined stretch as one of the longest railway platform stretches in India.
Passengers should always check display boards, announcements, coach position indicators and official railway apps before going to the final platform. Platform changes may happen due to train delays, route pressure, operational needs or redevelopment work.
Gates and Entry Points at Kollam Junction
Kollam Junction does not have metro-style fixed numbered gates commonly mentioned in public railway information. For passengers, the practical reference is the main station building and Cantonment / station road side access.
The station also has terminal-side movement because of redevelopment and expanded passenger handling. The main entry side is useful for ticket counters, platform access, local transport, parking, food stalls and passenger drop-off.
The entrance area can become busy during morning train timings, evening rush, office travel hours, festival seasons and tourist movement. Passengers travelling with elderly family members, children or heavy luggage should reach early, especially if their train is expected from a far platform.
Facilities at Kollam Junction
Kollam Junction has useful passenger facilities such as ticket counters, waiting areas, toilets, drinking water, food stalls, platform shelters, foot overbridge access, parking and local transport availability. The station also has a MEMU shed near Platform 1A, which adds to its railway operational importance.
Kollam station is also undergoing major redevelopment. A recent report said the first phase of redevelopment included a service building, substation, multi-level parking, parcel service and two terminal blocks, while the second phase includes a pedestrian overpass, air concourse and platform shelter work.
These upgrades are important because Kollam Junction handles regular passenger traffic, long-distance trains and regional train movement. Better terminals, parking and platform access can make the station more comfortable for both daily travellers and long-distance passengers.
Train Connectivity from Kollam Junction
Kollam Junction has strong train connectivity across Kerala and nearby states. Passengers can travel towards Thiruvananthapuram, Varkala, Kayamkulam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Punalur, Sengottai, Madurai, Chennai-side routes and other long-distance destinations.
The station is important because three railway directions meet here: south towards Thiruvananthapuram, north towards Ernakulam through different Kerala routes, and east towards Punalur–Sengottai. This makes Kollam Junction useful for both coastal Kerala travel and hill-route travel towards Tamil Nadu.
Passenger Importance of Kollam Junction
Kollam Junction is important because it serves one of Kerala’s major cities and connects passengers with both local and long-distance railway routes. It is useful for students, office workers, traders, tourists, pilgrims and families travelling within Kerala or towards Tamil Nadu.
The station is also helpful for passengers visiting Kollam Beach, Ashtamudi Lake, Munroe Island, Jatayu Earth’s Center, Punalur, Varkala and nearby tourist places. For many passengers from Kollam district, this station is more convenient than travelling to Thiruvananthapuram or Ernakulam for every major train journey.
Connectivity Around Kollam Junction
Local connectivity around Kollam Junction is practical. Autos, taxis, city buses and private vehicles are generally available around the station area. Passengers can travel towards Chinnakada, Kollam Beach, KSRTC bus stand, Ashtamudi Lake side, hospitals, hotels, markets and nearby residential areas.
Road traffic near the station can become heavy during peak hours. Passengers should keep extra time during monsoon days, festival travel, school-college timings and long-distance train departures.
Nearby Places from Kollam Junction
Important nearby places include Kollam city centre, Chinnakada, KSRTC bus stand side, local markets, hotels, hospitals, beach-side routes, Ashtamudi Lake access points and transport areas.
For tourists, Kollam Junction is a useful entry point for exploring backwaters, beaches and hill-route destinations. For local passengers, it remains the main railway station for daily movement and long-distance travel.
FAQs on Kollam Junction
Q: Is Kollam Junction a good station for visiting Ashtamudi Lake?
A: Yes. Kollam Junction is one of the most convenient railway stations for passengers visiting Ashtamudi Lake. After reaching the station, passengers can continue by auto, taxi or local transport.
Q: Which route should passengers check for Punalur or Sengottai travel?
A: Passengers should check trains on the Kollam–Punalur–Sengottai route. Platform 1A is often associated with this side, but live platform information should always be checked before boarding.
Q: Is Kollam Junction useful for Varkala and Thiruvananthapuram travel?
A: Yes. Kollam Junction is useful for passengers travelling towards Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram and other stations on the south Kerala route.
Q: Are there other railway stations near Kollam city?
A: Yes. Nearby stations include Eravipuram, Mayyanad, Paravur, Kilikollur and Kundara. However, Kollam Junction is the main station for most long-distance and junction-route trains.
Q: Is parking available at Kollam Junction?
A: Yes. Parking is available, and redevelopment work has also included multi-level parking-related infrastructure for better passenger convenience.
Q: What should passengers keep in mind during redevelopment work?
A: Passengers should reach early, check platform updates and follow station signs carefully. Entry points, parking movement or walking routes may change during construction or redevelopment phases.
