Vendors exploit train passengers’ vulnerability

Secunderabad:The IRCTC food court on the railway station here has been closed for the past fortnight on the ever-busy Secunderabad railway station as the tender period expired for the food court.

The Secunderabad railway station, headquarters of the South Central Railway, is used by at least over two-lakh commuters per day.

The station handles about 76 MMTS, 12 Passenger and 96 Express trains and is described as a hub of activity with the arrival and departure of trains on its 10 platforms.
According to the previous food court owner Srinivas Reddy, bids for the food court have been called for fresh. Three contractors took part in the auction.

The running of the food court remained a non-starter as one of the contractors had moved the court.

The long-distance travellers reaching here find no food to eat on account of the food court remaining closed. As a result, the aged, women and children are bearing the brunt of the non-availability of food. Greedy vendors are selling foods at higher prices collecting additional money on the pretext of GST.

Those who live around the railway station here prepare food that is not hygienic and found wanting in quality. The quantity is also less. The commuters are forced to buy as there is no alternative. Taking advantage of the absence of the food court, the people who live in the vicinity of the railway station are making a killing.

Taking advantage of the vulnerability of the passengers, the vendors are collecting Rs 5 more whether it is a drinking water bottle (Rs 20) or Haldiram’s eatables (25) or a biscuit packet (Rs 30). The health inspector or commercial inspector at the railway station has only ornamental value as they provide no relief or benefit to the commuters. They become active only when superior officials visit the railway station. During the rest of the time, they are accused of idling away their time.

Significantly, 10 days ago the legal metrology department officials raided on the vendors and booked cases against those vendors who are selling foods at a premium.
In front of the railway station, there are many vendors who sell sub-standard food, but rarely the GHMC public health officials take action against them because their palms are ‘greased’.
A passenger who reached here from Mumbai, Geetika, and another traveller to the city from Visakhapatnam, Tulasi, said that the food court should be opened immediately and quality food should be sold to passengers at the MRP without duping them.