Palakkad Junction Railway Station Code, Platforms, History, Popular Trains & Interesting Facts (2026)
Palakkad Junction Railway Station is one of the largest and most important railway junctions in Kerala. Located in Palakkad city, the station is operated by the Southern Railway (SR) under the Palakkad Railway Division, whose divisional headquarters are based here. Situated on the Jolarpettai–Shoranur line and the Palakkad–Pollachi line, it serves as a major gateway between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Formerly known as Olavakkode Junction, Palakkad Junction is an NSG-2 category railway station and one of the busiest railway hubs in South India.
Palakkad Junction Overview
| Particular | Details |
| Station Name | Palakkad Junction Railway Station |
| Station Code | PGT |
| Location | Palakkad, Kerala |
| Railway Zone | Southern Railway (SR) |
| Division | Palakkad Division |
| Number of Platforms | 5 |
| Number of Tracks | 13 |
| Elevation | Around 84 meters |
| Type | Major Junction Railway Station |
| Daily Passengers | Around 22,000+ (approx.) |
| Parking | Available |
| Waiting Rooms | Yes |
| Retiring Rooms | Yes |
| Escalators & Lifts | Available |
| Free Wi-Fi | Available |
| Nearby Airport | Coimbatore International Airport |
History of Palakkad Junction Railway Station
Palakkad Junction was established in 1898 during the expansion of the Madras Railway network. Originally known as Olavakkode Junction, it became an important railway hub connecting Kerala with Tamil Nadu through the Palakkad Gap, the natural mountain pass in the Western Ghats. The station was rebuilt in 1904 and later became the headquarters of the Palakkad Railway Division, one of Southern Railway’s key divisions. Over the years, Palakkad Junction has grown into one of Kerala’s largest railway stations with modern passenger facilities and extensive rail connectivity.
Today, the station offers:
- Modern station building
- Escalators and lifts
- Digital passenger information systems
- CCTV surveillance
- Spacious waiting halls
- Better accessibility for differently-abled passengers
- Modern reservation facilities
Palakkad Junction Railway Station Code
The railway station code for Palakkad Junction is:
PGT
This station code is used while booking railway tickets through IRCTC, railway reservation counters, and railway travel apps.
Example:
- Kochi to Palakkad Junction (PGT)
- Chennai to Palakkad Junction (PGT)
Number of Platforms at Palakkad Junction
Palakkad Junction has 5 platforms and 13 railway tracks. It handles express, superfast, passenger, MEMU, and freight trains throughout the day. The station also houses Kerala’s first MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) maintenance shed, making it an important operational center for Southern Railway.
The platforms are connected through:
- Foot over bridges (FOBs)
- Escalators
- Lifts
- Digital display boards
Popular Trains from Palakkad Junction
Palakkad Junction is served by several premium and long-distance trains.
Some popular trains include:
- Kerala Express
- West Coast Express
- Malabar Express
- Parasuram Express
- Chennai Mail
- Palakkad Town Express
- Kongu Express
- Coimbatore Express
- Mangalore Express
- Vande Bharat Express
These trains connect Palakkad with cities such as:
- Kochi
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Chennai
- Bengaluru
- Coimbatore
- Kozhikode
- Mangaluru
- Hyderabad
- Mumbai
- New Delhi
Facilities Available at Palakkad Junction
| Facility | Details |
| Free Wi-Fi | Complimentary Wi-Fi service is available throughout the station. |
| Waiting Rooms | Separate waiting halls are available for general and reserved passengers. |
| Retiring Rooms | AC and Non-AC retiring rooms are available for passengers with valid tickets. |
| Food Courts | Restaurants, tea stalls, snack counters, and IRCTC food outlets are available. |
| Cloak Room | Secure luggage storage facility is available. |
| Wheelchair Assistance | Available for senior citizens and differently-abled passengers. |
| Digital Information Boards | Live train arrival, departure, and platform information is displayed. |
| Parking | Dedicated parking facilities for two-wheelers and four-wheelers. |
| ATM & Banking | ATM facilities are available within the station premises. |
| Medical Assistance | Emergency first-aid facilities are available. |
| Ticket Booking Counters | Reserved and unreserved ticket counters are available. |
| Automatic Ticket Vending Machines | Available for quick ticket booking. |
| Clean Washrooms | Well-maintained washrooms are available throughout the station. |
| CCTV Surveillance | The station is monitored round the clock for passenger safety. |
Palakkad Junction Ticket Booking
Passengers can book train tickets through:
- IRCTC website
- IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app
- Railway reservation counters
- Authorized railway booking agents
- Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs)
Both reserved and unreserved ticket facilities are available.
How to Reach Palakkad Junction
By Road
Passengers can reach the station using:
- KSRTC buses
- City buses
- Auto-rickshaws
- Taxis
- App-based cab services
The station is centrally located and is well connected with all parts of Palakkad city, as well as nearby towns in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
By Air
The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, located approximately 60 km from the railway station.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
| Attraction | Approx. Distance |
| Palakkad Fort | 5 km |
| Malampuzha Dam & Gardens | 10 km |
| Kalpathy Heritage Village | 3 km |
| Dhoni Waterfalls | 15 km |
| Silent Valley National Park | 45 km |
| Jain Temple, Jainimedu | 4 km |
| Fantasy Park | 11 km |
| Yakshi Statue, Malampuzha | 10 km |
Interesting Facts About Palakkad Junction Railway Station
- Palakkad Junction was originally known as Olavakkode Junction and officially opened in 1898, making it one of Kerala’s oldest and most historically significant railway stations.
- The station serves as the headquarters of the Palakkad Railway Division, one of the six divisions of Southern Railway, which manages hundreds of railway stations across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
- Palakkad Junction is strategically located at the Palakkad Gap, a natural mountain pass through the Western Ghats that has been an important transportation corridor between Kerala and Tamil Nadu for centuries. This location makes it one of South India’s busiest railway gateways.
- It is home to Kerala’s first MEMU maintenance shed, where Mainline Electric Multiple Unit trains are serviced and maintained for operations across the state.
- In the Swachh Bharat Survey 2016, Palakkad Junction was recognized as the cleanest railway station in Kerala, highlighting its high standards of cleanliness and passenger amenities.
- The station handles thousands of passengers every day and is an important interchange for trains traveling between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and North India, making it one of Southern Railway’s busiest operational hubs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the station code of Palakkad Junction Railway Station?
The station code of Palakkad Junction Railway Station is PGT.
How many platforms are there at Palakkad Junction?
Palakkad Junction has 5 platforms.
Which railway zone manages Palakkad Junction?
The station is managed by the Southern Railway (SR) under the Palakkad Division.
Is free Wi-Fi available at Palakkad Junction?
Yes, passengers can access free Wi-Fi throughout the station.
Which is the nearest airport to Palakkad Junction?
The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, located approximately 60 km from the railway station.
Why is Palakkad Junction important?
Palakkad Junction is important because it serves as the headquarters of the Palakkad Railway Division, connects Kerala with Tamil Nadu through the Palakkad Gap, and is one of Southern Railway’s major passenger and freight hubs. It is also home to Kerala’s first MEMU maintenance shed.
Conclusion
Palakkad Junction Railway Station is one of the most important railway hubs in Kerala. With 5 platforms, 13 tracks, a history dating back to 1898, and its role as the headquarters of the Palakkad Railway Division, the station continues to play a vital role in Southern Railway. Its strategic location at the Palakkad Gap, modern passenger facilities, and excellent connectivity to major cities across South India make Palakkad Junction one of the state’s most significant railway stations.
