‘Enquiry counters at city rly station do not provide relevant information’
Jose K Joseph
Bhubaneswar: The Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) has recently launched a ‘Meet and Greet’ service for air passengers. Several railway passengers, however, felt the need for revival of a similar ‘May I Help You’ facility at the city railway station.
Currently, Bhubaneswar railway station has an enquiry counter outside Platform No.1 and a tourist information counter on the platform. But none of these facilities provide the passenger with relevant information such as the nearest hospital, nearest taxi stand and hotel facilities in the city.
“We provide information about tourist spots, but we don’t function like help booths. But we provide a tourist map on payment of Rs 10,” said an official at tourism office at railway station.
Similarly, the railway enquiry counter provides basic information on train arrivals and departures.
Interestingly, Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission (SKRM), a spiritual outfit, has set up a ‘May I Help You’ counter at the Master Canteen station entrance Monday for its delegates to a two-day convention. But hundreds of rail users approached the counter and made enquires.
“We set up the counter to help SKRM delegates who are coming for our convention. However, over 100 passengers have approached us and asked about hotels, hospitals, chemist shops and taxi stands. Our volunteers helped them too. But the facility will be open till Tuesday,” Pankaj Agarwal, a volunteer at SKRM counter, said.
Orissa POST interacted with the passengers who approached SKRM counter and many of them said the city rail station which is in the state Capital should have 24X7 dedicated information cell.
“I approached the SKRM people for details of hotels in Bhubaneswar. I asked about taxis and call taxis. The volunteers were helpful and provided all information,” said Rupesh Patkar, a senior citizen who is a first timer to Bhubaneswar.
Some women asked about ‘she taxis’ and dependable hotels in the city.
“I approached the SKRM counter to find out whether I can get ‘She taxi’ or prepaid taxis. Although the volunteers provided me the needed information I didn’t know that it was set up for SKRM members,” said Riya Sinha.
All major railway stations across the country used to have ‘May I Help You’ facilities for rail users but they disappeared over the years. PNN
