Vishwas Dass
Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Feb 21: Commuters are pinning their hopes on the expansion and development of Bhubaneswar railway station, with passenger amenities remaining substandard there despite more than seven lakh people on an average using it in a month.
Besides, thousands turn up every day to book tickets at the passenger reservation system (PRS) counters.
The expansion of the station has been delayed even as the four existing platforms have failed to facilitate smooth traffic.
Passengers stressed the need for an increase in the number of platforms from four to six, an improvement in the waiting and retiring rooms, parking facility and a Jan Ahar food outlet.
They also sought improvement in the information system, proper sitting arrangement and disabled-friendly amenities.
The expansion work has started on the Cuttack Road side, which is known as the rear of station.
However, the rehabilitation of slum dwellers has also come a cropper.
“We are rehabilitating slum dwellers to facilitate rapid expansion of station,” Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation deputy commissioner Srimant Mishra asserted.
The train running information and the infotainment LCD system that have been lying unused for the past three years should also be improved, passengers said.
The low-cost Jan Ahar food outlet for passengers has also failed. Passengers complained that though the prices are lower than market rates, food quality is extremely poor. “Now only a few passengers bother about low cost meals as they want hygienic food, which is not being provided by the IRCTC-run Jan Ahar outlet here. The food is pathetic,” said Abhinav Senapati, who was going to board the Neelachal Express.
Passengers also want better waiting and retiring rooms.
At present, the station has a second class waiting hall, as well as upper class and air-conditioned halls. However, passengers feel more should be established.
The station also lacks adequate parking space. There is a two-wheeler parking lot outside the PRS counter. However, it usually remains congested because of the lack of space. Passenger often complained about dearth of parking space for cars and auto-rickshaws.
“Except outside concourse area, there is no space to park cars. The matter needs immediate attention,” remarked a retired doctor, Bikas Mohapatra.
