Without waiting for a formal inauguration, the escalators at Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station here have been opened to passengers. Both escalators are on platform number one. However, the escalators got stuck on a few occasions within 24 hours of their functioning raising concerns and authorities concerned reached the spot immediately to rectify the error.
According to the official version, “the maintenance work is being done, which will be over in a day or two. Technicians are correcting the system so that it can function flawlessly.”
The passengers, meanwhile, are heaving a huge sigh of relief after the moving staircase started functioning. The elderly, differently abled, patients and passengers carrying heavy luggage are finding it a great help.
“Definitely, the escalators are a big relief. Or else I would have had to carry the luggage in my hands and take the steps,” said Velayudhan Nair, a senior citizen from Karamana who was heading to Mookambika. Whereas, there were others who used the facility out for mere curiosity, particularly children. They could be seen jumping and running between the steps.
With a “it’s nice” comment and smiles Suresh, his wife and children who came to the station to renew their season tickets rated the escalator. And on all faces reflected the delight of avoiding the steep steps.
The escalators have been set up near the former entrance of the vegetarian refreshment room. In the station, four more escalators and three lifts will come up soon. Under the Thiruvananthapuram division, as per official data, sanction has been given to set up 30 escalators and 16 lifts.
At present, two escalators are installed at Ernakulam Junction railway station. Each escalator costs Rs 78.5 lakh, while one lift is priced at Rs 30 lakh.