An on-the-spot study about lack of basic amenities at the City Railway Station by a group of BJP members on Monday, highlighted the officials’ apathy towards passengers’ security and basic facilities.
The members drew attention on inconveniences like absence of fire tenders, no luggage scanners and metal detectors, inadequate counters to buy platform tickets and deteriorating condition at the Okalipuram entrance. Only one restaurant serves both veg and non-veg food at the station, they pointed out.
Railway authorities were blamed for constructing an administrative building at the parking site. They said Oakalipuram entrance where 65 percent train traffic originates, does not have proper parking facility.
The State BJP media in-charge, S Prakash urged Union Minister of State for Railways K H Muniyappa, to initiate measures to provide basic facilities for passengers. “We are planning to hold a protest before the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM)’s office if no substantial remedial steps are initiated,” he said.
‘Development activities’
Reacting to the demands made by the BJP members, the railways officials gave a list of developmental activities being undertaken at the station. They denied a few complaints made by the protesters.
According to the Divisional Railway Manager Sudhanshu Mani, at the Okalipuram side, a modern basement parking is under construction and shall be ready within a year. Another cell kitchen shall be opened shortly on the main entry side of the station, seating arrangements are made available in the platforms. Besides, there are pay and use toilets at the station.
Another platform ticket counter shall be opened shortly and good security arrangements have been put in place with round-the-clock video surveillance, he added.