MARADU: Irked by the apathy of authorities in improving the infrastructure facilities at Thirunettoor Railway Station, the residents here have decided to launch a series of protests.
According to them, despite submitting several memorandums since 2010, the Railway authorities have not taken any concrete action for the development of the station.
“The station lacks sanitation and potable water facilities. There are no lights in the building and the lavatory cuts a sorry figure. This is the state for the past several years. The officials should take action immediately so that the public can make use of the station,” said Unnikrishnan Menon, an activist and resident of Nettoor.
There is also a demand for a joint effort from the part of Railways and the local body to repair the approach road and station premises.
“No maintenance work has been carried out on the 400-metre road leading to the station recently. The road is completely unusable and the station premises are infested by weeds and bushes,” he added.
The residents also flayed the local police for their scant regard in ensuring security at the station.
“The railway station premises have become a haven for criminals and ganja peddlers. Though the cops are conducting anti-dung drive in the area, they have turned blind eye towards the illegal activities happening there,” the residents said.
They added that they would submit a memorandum demanding the development of the station to Railways, local body and the Police. Protests measures will be undertaken soon if the authorities do not heed to the demand.
Meanwhile, the Railway authorities said they will seriously consider the issues of the residents.
“We have reopened the ticket counter at the station after the gap of a few years by appointing a station master. The action was taken considering the plea of the residents at Nettoor. We will take necessary measures for improving the infrastructure and other facilities of the Railway station,” they said.