High on hype, low on amenities

Tirupati: Railway passengers visiting the pilgrim city are facing severe hardship as soon as they enter the station. Tall claims being made by the authorities about Tirupati station being on par with international standards and a ‘smart railway station’ has proved to be more of hype far removed from the reality. For instance, the AC dormitory at the station has been redundant and non-functional during the past two years. It is not having even toilets.

Highlights:

• AC dormitory at the station non-functional for the past two years
• Incoming trains are getting delayed indefinitely due to non-availability of platforms
• Passengers complain the Rail Neer supplied by IRCTC is of very poor quality

Even during severe summer months, none of the platforms-except the first platform-have cool water facilities. Moreover, it is surprising why the Railway authorities on one hand and the TTD on the other could together take key decisions on the developmental works on the south side. Railways need TTD’s land on south side. To hand it over along with the necessary approvals and documents they need to get a clearance from the High Court of Hyderabad.

Nobody bells the cat and the issue is likely to be kept pending for years together. Now, almost all incoming trains are getting delayed indefinitely due to non-availability of platforms. Unless, this land issue is cleared, the station would not be getting the much needed 6th platform. In fact, more platforms are required considering the flow of passengers every day. The station has become congested with traffic of 50,000 plus passengers and 90 trains of all types.

The existing platforms are also too narrow width-wise. The blueprint for the development at south side displays ambitious plans of Railways. But, how long will the plans take to materialise is the big question. There is no train from Tirupati to Mumbai. A weekly train from Tirupati to Shirdi is not meeting this requirement. The train leaves Nagarsol station the same day and pilgrims, who visit Tirupati would in all probability stay there overnight.

They may also wish to see any places around Shirdi. This is not possible with the weekly train. People have been demanding to make it daily service. Between Tirupati and Chittoor, there are three level crossing gates which makes the journey horrible with increasing number of trains. The railways have yet to resolve this problem. In view of the importance of this route, flyovers should be built over all the three gates on priority basis. The major problem of the denizens of Tirupati is the level crossing at Rayalacheruvu gate.

Railway authorities have submitted the proposals to build the under bridge there. Similarly, a subway is to be built at the railway gate opposite RTC Central Bus Station. Passengers are also complaining that the Rail Neer supplied by IRCTC is of very poor quality. Despite complaints about Rail Neer supplied at the station being of poor quality, the IRCTC continues to sell the same, leaving the passengers with no choice.

By paying the same price as other brands they are forced to buy the inferior brand for which even the supply is not good. The quality of food available in the station is equally bad. The railway authorities should focus on providing better amenities and facilities at the station and not on hype about making it a “smart railway station.’ After all, actions speak volumes than words.

By V Pradeep Kumar