BANGALORE: Standing at the edge of a railway platform, passengers peek at the long, curving path on which the blue train will arrive, waiting eagerly for the station master to wave his red flag and the trademark smoke that rises in the air and then vanishes into nothing.The whistles indicate its arrival and amidst the hustle bustle, one can see a little smile playing on the face of a kid, his excitement for the journey is infectious.In our city, the responsibility for the same is assumed by the City Railway Station, located in close proximity to the Kempegowda bus stand catering to thousands of Bangaloreans taking them beyond and giving them memories that they would treasure forever.City Express does a check on the pro’s and con’s of the railway station.Health is not hygiene: One of the most striking points about the railway station is the lack of basic cleanliness.Red spit marks everywhere, unbearable stench exuding from the train tracks and garbage dumped everywhere without a care in the world in quite disappointing to see.Though maintenance officials from the railways are deputed round the clock in order to ensure the place is tidy, they say that awareness and civic sense from the passengers is necessary to keep the station in a immaculate state.No digital display here: The digital display boards which are suppose to provide updated information about the trains do not work.A couple of passengers said that they had been in the same deplorable condition for days now.Also, adjacent to the cloak room, the absence of seating gives a scene of clutter and chaos as people try hard to make space for themselves on the floor.‘Subway’ redefined: The subway in the station connecting the different platforms to each other are beyond worse.With water overflow everywhere, dirty walls and garbage disposed, people prefer to use the overbridge rather than taking the simpler subways.Suresh, a visitor, said, “It is sad to see that one of the most well known places in the city has such a bad subway system.It’s unusable.” Everything in order: That having been said, the lifts are in good working condition.The pay and use toilets are open 24 hours a day and work with a minimal charge of `1.Platform boards, billboards declaring information about the seats and the schedule of the trains along with the frequency are well maintained.Seating does not seem to be an issue.Separate drinking water taps have been provided to the physically challenged.Stores inside the station do not charge more than the Market Retail Price (MRP).Waiting rooms are well maintained.The announcements are done on a regular basis and in three languages.LCD’S spread across the station also give the much needed entertainment for the waiting customers.Free health care: Narayana Hrudalaya, offers free medical care, in case of illness, in a small expanse of the station.The clinic is open form 6 am in the morning to 10 pm at the night.An onduty doctor remarked that when immediate attention is required in a railway station, one doesn’t have to rush to a hospital, but can avail services here.Pavithra, a passenger, said, “In case we fall ill, we need not miss the train but can get quick treatment and get back to travelling.” Taking into consideration: Passenger carts are provided for the convenience of the elderly and the disabled to travel to and fro from the platforms.Ramesh, a visually challenged person, said, “There are many facilities such as separate parking space for the disabled and ramps.It’s heartening to see that the railways are taking everyone into consideration.” Porters not needed anymore?: The sight of porters lugging luggage on their heads may not be a common sight anymore.They have been provided with trolleys by the Faiveley Transport, reducing their burden.The trolleys are meant only for the porters, passengers, however feel that it is unfair.Lost child: If you see a child wandering lost and lonely in this huge railway station, make sure you reach take him/her to the BOSCO booth on the station.Devraj, an employee of the NGO for 15 years, said “Sometimes, parents leave their kids here.And sometimes, kids are just lost.We receive 10 kids on an everyday basis here.We rescue these children, take them to the NGO and counsel them.” Sick children are also provided with the elementary medicine and food.Authority’s view: The deputy station master of the City Railway Station had a hectic schedule and said that they were working towards development.The spokesperson for Bangalore Railways, Biswas, was unavailable for comments.While a few aspects of the station require immediate attention, the others are seen by the public as quite satisfactory.As the city awaits the metro’s launch, one can only hope that the railways clear up their act and put on a good show While waiting for the whistle to blow...Some are clean while some are not.Some have excellent facilities, while some lack the most basic amenities.City Express takes a look at the condition of Bangalore’s railway stations and fi nds out what they have to offer.
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