A lot had been happening while Thomas was visiting India. He was learning new things from Ashima, he had made friends with Shankar and Asher, and he had helped to film a Bollywood movie.

After trying to save the Movie Star when he thought he was in trouble, the producer was so impressed by Thomas' act of heroism that he said he would leave it in the movie. When the movie started being made, a lot of attention seemed to drift away from Thomas. Everyone had been excited to see him before, but after saving the Star, his popularity only grew.

When the movie crew had finished filming, Charubala called all the engines together at Varkala Station. "I still can't believe you got your chance to be a star, Thomas," said Asher excitedly. "I do hope we get to see it."

"May I have your attention, please," said Charubala and all the engines stopped to look at her. "I appreciate all of your hard work with helping the filming crew make their movie and working around them to keep the trains running. During this time, it has come to my attention that our station is in need of repairs and a repaint."

"Does that mean the station will be closed?" Thomas asked.

"No, Thomas. Varkala Station is too important to the running of our railway, which is why we will be fixing it a little at a time." And Charubala explained. "Over the next few weeks, one track will be closed off while the work is done. That way, passengers and goods will keep coming and going and we won't have to close the Station. You all managed to keep the trains running while the movie was being made and I hope you won't mind doing the same thing again."

"Of course not, Charubala Ma'am," replied Ashima.

"We understand completely," Noor Jehan added.

"We can handle a temporary inconvenience if it is to help our railway run smoothly," agreed Shankar. And so, it was arranged.

The next day, the Station's open line was closed off and goods trains were diverted through the Yard when necessary. Work started at once. Repairs were made wherever they were needed, and the walls received a fresh coat of paint.

At first, everything went well, but when the first platform line was closed off, that's when the trouble began. On most days, everything seemed fine, but on busy days, trains were held up, points were blocked, and passengers were delayed.

Thomas had been busy carrying visitors who wanted to see him, but even he had trouble getting into the Station. One evening, the engines talked about the situation.

"My Express was an hour late today," Noor Jehan sighed.

"And the siding arrangements are awkward with all the engines passing through," groaned Shankar.

"The Station's not even half-finished," moaned Rajiv. "I can't take much more of this."

Thomas was thinking. "Has the Station always been as busy as it usually is?"

"No," said Ashima. "The Station was so grand when it was first opened, but it wasn't as busy as it is now. That's the problem. The railway has grown, but our station hasn't."

The engines were so tired, they were all asleep quite soon. The next morning, Thomas awoke suddenly. "That's it!" he cried.

"What's 'it'?" yawned Ashima.

"I know how we can get things running smoothly again!" And when he was ready to go, Thomas raced away to the Station.

Charubala was looking over her timetable. "Oh dear, I didn't think restoring the Station would cause so much trouble."

"Charubala, Ma'am!" whistled Thomas, "I have an idea! I think I know how we can get things running again!"

"Calm down, Thomas. Now, what is this about?"

"Well," began Thomas, "when my Controller, Sir Topham Hatt, had his office redecorated, he moved to a temporary office while the work was done. So, I thought we could build a temporary platform while the rest of the Station is being restored."

Charubala pondered. "That's…not a bad idea, Thomas, but…I'm not sure if it would be that easy. It might cause more confusion in the Station Yard."

"Well, Shankar said he was impressed with my shunting. Can I ask to hold up my special visitor trains for a while? If I help Asher in the Shunting Yard, there will be more room for trucks and coaches, so the Station Yard won't be so busy."

Then, Charubala smiled. "That might actually work. Thank you, Thomas. I will make the arrangements at once."

A temporary platform was built between the Station's open line and the Yard, and Thomas helped Asher to keep the trucks and coaches in line. Soon, all the trains were on time once more and everything was running well again. There was even room for an extra passenger train if it was needed.

Some of the passengers had to walk further than before to catch their next trains or leave the Station, but they didn't mind. Anything was better than being stranded in the Junction.

At last, the Station's restoration was complete. The planforms were clean, the walls were sound, and its new paint made it look very grand.

"That temporary platform was a good idea, Thomas," said Ashima. "You really are clever at times."

"I agree," said Charubala. "Between allowing room for extra trains and helping Asher in the Shunting Yard, we were actually ahead of schedule."

"Three cheers for Thomas!" called the passengers and everyone did along with whistles and honks from the engines.