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Amenities at City stations - What is wrong with SWR?
Written By GNT - 30 January, 2011
Bangalore SWR Complaint Transportation public transport Indian Railways Commuter rail Bangalore city station Cantonment Station
I am not an expert in the Indian Railways. Therefore, if my rant is in the wrong direction, I would really appreciate if someone can put me in my place.
I went to both the City station ( about three weeks back) and Cantonment station (today) recently and am really disgusted with the infrastructure and the maintenance of these two stations. Isn't Bangalore the zonal headquarters of the SWR? If am comparing with another zonal headquarters, either with Secunderabad or Chennai, the infrastructure, cleanliness and hygeine in these two stations is really pathetic.
My aunt was comparing Bangalore with second and third tier cities in Andhra Pradesh and was of the opinion that those stations have better facilities like underpasses, over head bridges, elevators for elderly passengers.
I am planning to write to the zonal manager of SWR, but thought I bring it up here for your comments and opinion.
thanks,
-Pavan
COMMENTS
Its Hubli, how is that station?
silkboard - 31 January, 2011 - 03:47
I think zonal HQ for SWR is Hubli. I have never been to Hubli station, but would like to know if the station at HQ is of better standards.
I agree with your sentiments and opinion @GNT. As mentioned already in that other post on "7 horrors of Bangalore", it is a SHAME that elderly people need to climb all those stairs, there is so limited seating in the station building between station entrance and platform entrance.
And after all this, I am generally surprised to know that their "world class station" plans are focusing more on still-a-castle-in-the-air Byappanahalli station (and I think Yesvantpur too) than Bangalore City.
SWR's excuse would be - state has still not given me Binny Mill Land. Wonder how that is linked to having cleaner station with escalators and more seating.
idontspam - 31 January, 2011 - 05:49
Actually world class station in IR terminology probably means lots of fatally-slippery-when-wet granite flooring for the first platform of all stations.
Even if the floor is concrete the world class should focus on amenities like disabled friendly walkways, easy accessibility for both people & luggage. What prevents airport style trolleys from being provided? Escalators for people? multi storied parking with travelators? Completely covered station will allow them to utilize the first floor for waiting rooms, clean toilets etc.
I have blogged about the archiac maintenance practices of the railways here, but O&M of stations should be outsourced with clear benchmarks for cleanliess like checklists inspections etc.
Here is the lnk to Hubli Station SWr Headquarter
Sanjeev - 31 January, 2011 - 06:52
Here is the lnk to Hubli Station Development. I think they are spending nearly 100 crore for Hubli with 2 foot over Bridge, one sub-way, 3 more platforms, new Entrance with new station Building and shoping complex
http://praja.in/en/blog/sanjeev/2010/02/05/modernised-hubli-railway-station-local-train
Hubli station is coming up very well with all the facility. Bangalore, Yesvantpur, Biyappanahalli & Yelahanka are really neglected at different levels.
Whats definition of world class from Railways : Read their office order :
http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/indianrailways/directorate/land_amen/PASSNG_AMENT/ID_207.PDF
Railways to Install Escalators in 100 stations, this is in Jan'2009.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/railways-to-install-escalators-in-100-statio/413006/
I have read the sanction for Bangalore Ciy Station to get Escalator for PF- 1 & 5, but nothing happened, may theri is no one to ask them.
Escalators for Bangalore City Station not much progress
Sanjeev - 31 January, 2011 - 08:38
Here is the link to 100 Escalators Tender called in the year 2009
For Bangalore Page no :6, Sr No 31 & 32.
http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/indianrailways/directorate/stores/TENDERS/PriceBid_OP-218.pdf
In the name of world class Station, Bangalore city & Biyyyappanahalli are made third grade station. Look at the Vijayawada Station getting 6 Escalators which. Bangalore stations neglected.
Even though Private parties are will to take uo the job, why such delay for Bangalore.. As Silkboard mentioned, Railway is keep on harping on land as if their main business is in real estate. In this process they are not taking up the upgradtion of the station with improved facility. Next will be Yesvantpur, Biyyappanahalli, Kengeri, K R Puram, Yelahanka stations will face the heat once METRO rolls out.
ss87 - 30 January, 2011 - 14:42
Sir
Bangalore is not the headquarters of SWR like chennai or Secunderabad-but have generally heard it is one of the better stations compared to the others as far as many people have opined.
The infrastructure is quite poor-though the lift facility was installed it is hardly being used as far as i have seen. the cement ramp is across the tracks is the only option available apart from climbing the stairs. Maintainence is not too bad but seriously improvements in this regard is must.
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