Call for safety audit of stations under Southern Railway

Sirajudheen Ellathodi, member of Southern Railway Zone Railway Users Consultative Committee (ZRUCC) and secretary of Calicut Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), has called for a safety audit of all stations under Southern Railway following the fire that destroyed nearly 500 motorcycles parked at Thrissur Railway Station on Sunday morning, January 4, 2026.

In a memorandum submitted to the General Manager of Southern Railways, Mr. Ellathodi requested that an investigation be conducted under the direct supervision of the General Manager. He said a comprehensive security audit should be carried out at all train stations, focusing especially on parking areas, waiting rooms, platforms and other public use areas.

Mr Ellathodi said fire safety and security measures needed to be strengthened, including fire detection systems, fire-fighting equipment, surveillance and emergency response protocols.

Emphasizing that compensation should be paid to the owners of damaged motorcycles, the ZRUCC member said that Southern Railways should pay more attention to improving safety and security at all railway stations. “Urgent intervention is required to restore public confidence in the railway infrastructure,” he added.