Passengers express displeasure in condition of suburban stations
Posted on: 03/Sep/2015 2:55:16 PM
The railway line that runs through Chennai - Tiruvallur - Arakkonam has been under the mark when it comes to improving amenities and security at stations on the route. The up-gradation is more for the Beach - Tambaram - Chengalpet line.
An RTI (Right to Information) application was filed by A.J. Devarajan, a commuter on the line. The result of the application shows that the revenue earned from ticket sales have increased every month during the first quarter of the financial year. The application also shows that those who buy premium tickets through the Jan Saharan counters have also increased. The revenue, which was Rs. 33.48 lakhs in April, has increased to 37.51 lakhs in June at Tiruvallur. Tiruvallur is the first major station after Chennai Central on that route.
A member of the Rail Passenger Association of traveler said, `The numbers revealed in the RTI shows that the line gets enough money . And the revenue will be higher if ticket sale of long distance trains is taken into consideration. Despite this, most of the stations have poor amenities, even no security. The platform surfaces are uneven and prone to water logging during rain and most stations have only mini-shelters with limited lighting.`
Security, which is covered by the Railway Protection Force and Government Railway Police, is available at major stations such as Villivakkam, Avadi, Tiruvallur and Arakkonam. Unfortunately, the stations beyond Tiruvallur are considered part of the suburban network and so not taken into consideration.
According to a railway official, `Trains slow down at some stretches due to curves, and to negotiate loop lines between Tiruttani and Arakkonam, providing ample chance for robbers to hop on and hop off. And such crimes often go unreported as it is not easy to file a complaint.`
