Trains chug along, but where’s the auto?

Trains chug along, but where’s the auto?
Deccan Herald
:
Passengers involved in heated arguments with autorickshaw drivers - that is a common scene at the K R Puram railway station. Attribute it to the absence of proper transport facilities at one of the prime railway stations on the City’s outskirts.

Auto drivers demand more than Rs 50, exclusive of luggage even for nearby areas such as C V Raman Nagar, Sadananda Nagar and ITI Colony.

The K R Puram station has a daily passenger inflow of around 4,000 people. Brindavan Express, Chennai Mail, Kanyakumari Express, Chennai-Howrah Express are some of the important express trains that pass through the station.


According to officers at the station, more than 600 platform tickets are sold per day. But when it comes to basic amenities for the public, a lot needs to be done. There are no pre-paid autorickshaw counters at the entry.

Though a traffic policeman is posted at the new entrance, he is hardly of any use to passengers when it comes to helping them get transport.

Traffic DCP M A Salim said, “Usually pre-paid counters and autorickshaw service within station premises are monitored by the Railway Police. As there is no pre-paid counter at K R Puram station and thanks to several complaints from passengers about harassment by autorickshaw drivers, we have posted a traffic policeman there. However the problem can be solved only if a pre-paid counter is set up.”

When it comes to BMTC buses, passengers alighting at the station and those proceeding towards the City are better off than those who hire autorickshaws. A BMTC bus stand is close to the new entrance. But for those who have to go to Kaggadasapura, Benniganahalli and other surrounding

areas, the number of buses is less.

The station has toilets but they are perpetually locked. A station official said, “Wash rooms are locked due to drainage problem. We have hired a private agency for maintenance, but they have done nothing.”

Divisional Railway Manager Mahesh Mangal has promised to open up the toilets soon. “We have contacted a private agency and asked them to make arrangements to clear the drainage. In addition, the department is inviting tenders to set up pay-and-use toilets in all train stations, including K R Puram station.”

The Railway department has constructed an over-bridge for the benefit of passengers. But the bridge is seldom used. Many passengers, particularly the aged and women with children find crossing the railway track easier than climbing the over-bridge. The provision for drinking water is also poor in the station. There are taps, but they are dry. The presence of stray dogs has worsened the plight of passengers.

Mr Mangal said the K R Puram station has been identified to be developed as a model station in the current financial year.

“New entry will be provided with parking facility along with a pre-paid auto counter. We are in consultation with the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike and the State government on this.

The department has plans to widen platforms and increase them to 24-coach-length. In addition, the new entry will be provided with booking office and concourse area will also be improved,” he added.

HIGHLIGHTS

4,000 passengers commute every day

Daily 30 pairs of trains pass through

Revenue - over Rs 52 lakh a month

Wash rooms are always locked

Most taps are dry