Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Oct 15: Bhubaneswar railway station has 12 reservation counters, but counter No. 2 is special as this is the only counter for women, physically handicapped, senior citizens, VIPs, foreigners, and journalists.
The ‘‘all in one queue system’’ has affected the performance of this special counter.
The festival rush is visible in most of the reservation counters at the railway station. Though ECoR has dedicated a separate queue for senior citizens, physically handicapped and ladies, the ‘all in one counter’ has turned it meaningless.
“This is a festival season and there will be a rush in all the counters. Of the 12 counters seven have employees, so they should open additional counters during the rush hours,” said Prakash Patnaik, a senior citizen who was waiting at counter No.2.
Several women also expressed their dissatisfaction for not introducing a separate counter for them. There are many senior citizens in their row which makes their counters longer at
counter No.2.
“It is not always a pleasant experience to stand in a mixed queue and I don’t understand the logic behind dedicating a common counter for ladies, physically handicapped, senior citizens, VIPs, foreigners, and journalists,” said another traveler, Pravasini Sahoo.Some international tourists shared the opinion that they are not happy about the ‘‘all in one counter’’.
“Initially, I thought I will ask my tourist guide to stand in the queue, but there were some objections. So I decided to stand in the queue myself. It should have been better if the railway offered a separate counter for women,” said Vanessa Williams, a tourist from the United States.Some railway officials, on condition of anonymity, told Orissa Post this unfortunate system is the product of bad planning in the absence of adequate staff.
However, when Orissa Post contacted the station manager, he said he would take immediate steps on the issue.
“First, I will monitor the situation and then I take necessary measures,” said CR Nayak, station manager.
