If the enthusiasm of the authorities is to be believed, passenger woes at Krishnarajapuram (K R Puram) station should ease in the coming months.
The City Express had highlighted projects in progress at this major city junction in its article (Krishnarajapuram railway station set for a makeover, July 31).
Although, the pace of progress needs to be taken with a pinch of salt.
The station was in dire need of better platforms and passengers facilities.
The length of platforms was a concern since they were shorter than the length of the trains that stopped at them. Station master John V Abraham had sent a proposal to the sub-divisional office requesting that platform 4, which witnesses the highest traffic with major trains halting here, be extended to accommodate 24 coaches, the standard length for long distance trains.
To make way for the extension, a 150-year-old bridge that passed over one end of the station and which was proving to be an obstruction had been demolished earlier this year.
"Platform 4 has now been extended to match the length of the trains that stops there and the work is complete," said Abraham.
The project was prompted after passenger complaints on the inconvenience they faced in boarding bogies that stopped beyond the platform.
A food court that was meant to service passenger is now awaiting work for its interiors.
Only the roof has been constructed. According to Abraham, the pre-paid auto stand will require 10 days more of work. "The fabrication of the booth is yet to be completed," he said.
Safety is a concern at K R Puram, with many passengers crossing the tracks to get from one platform to the other rather than use the foot-over-bridge.
According to Abraham, tenders have been sent out for raising barricades between tracks and they are awaiting clearance.
Much like the city it connects, K R Puram is faced with scarcity of water too. To meet the shortage, the station plans to buy water from at least five tankers.
"The situation has eased a bit since BWSSB started provided water. However, the amount of water released is still proving to be insufficient. We continue to buy tanker water since we have to provide for the station and for the residential quarters attached to the station," said Abraham.