Passengers suffer for want of amenities on platforms

Neeraj Bagga

Tribune News Service 

Amritsar, August 26

Though several months have elapsed since the Railways established platform Nos.6 and 7 at the Amritsar railway station, no effort has been made to provide certain amenities here. 

The platforms have not been provided with sheds, under which passengers could stand or take rest. As a result, they are exposed to the vagaries of the weather. 

A passenger, Dhruv Mehra, said, “No fans have been provided at the platforms to give respite to passengers in summer. It seems that passengers are left to fend for themselves. 

Another passenger Shobhit said: “The authorities have not provided arrangements for potable water and washrooms at both platforms. This, despite the fact that the railway station was categorised as A-category railway station and the Union Railway Ministry had announced to upgrade to a world-class station.”

Another passenger Shamsher Singh said he travelled to and fro Amritsar by the Amritsar-Chandigarh train. Most of the times, these trains are standing at these platforms. However, there is only one-foot-wide overbridge for the entry and exit of passengers at both platforms. 

At the arrival and departure of trains, there is a sudden rush of passengers, which could cause a stampede-like situation. There is a need for another exit and entry way to swiftly clear the platform of a rush of passengers. 

He suggested that these platforms could be used to only disembark passengers who are generally not in a hurry. Inadequate sitting arrangement was another cause of concern for children, weak and elderly visitors. 

The commissioning of these platforms was a long-pending demand of the residents who had been complaining of undue and long-duration stoppage of trains on the city outskirts. 

Amritsar railway station Officiating Director Amrit Singh said the columns were erected and sheds would be installed soon. Subsequently, fans would be installed. He added that lights were already installed and toilets would not be built on the platforms as per the policy of the Railways.