In response to the rising demand for additional trains from Coimbatore Junction, the Southern Railway is set to develop Podanur station as the city’s second terminal with an investment of Rs 100 crore.

Podanur, among the oldest stations in Tamil Nadu, is already undergoing a Rs 24 crore facelift under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme, with nearly 80 percent of the work completed. A railway official explained, "Limited land availability poses a significant challenge to the expansion of Coimbatore railway station. Hence, the Southern Railway is developing infrastructure at Podanur railway station with the intention of making it the second terminal in the city."

The sanctioned Rs 100 crore covers creation of pit line and stabling line infrastructure. While upgrades near completion, pending roofing and entrance works remain. The pit line project may take more than two years, delaying full terminal readiness.