KOLLAM: The non-availability of rakes is the sole reason behind the delay in the commencement of the MEMU services announced in Kollam-Ernakulam and Kollam-Nagercoil stretches, Southern Railway General Manager Deepak Krishan told media persons at the Railway Station here on Thursday. He was here for a routine inspection.
Pointing out that the non-completion of the maintenance car shed is not the reason behind the delay and that once the rakes are available the services in the region can be operated even from the MEMU maintenance car shed at Palakkad, he said.
Deepak Krishan said that a second terminal in Kollam was one of the major demands raised by the passengers and people’s representatives, but it cannot be sanctioned owing to shortage of funds. Considering the number of passengers at the station, the present terminal is offering ‘reasonable degree of comfort’ to the passengers, he said adding that the Railways would look into the demand for a second terminal.
He said that the demands of the passengers for new trains and halts at various stations would be considered on a priority basis. The visit is aimed at inspecting various facilities offered at the station and to understand the demands of the passengers. Various passengers’ associations submitted memorandums to the GM in this regard.
SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM
Earlier, the General Manager commissioned the newly-installed video surveillance system at the station. As many as 21 CCTV cameras have been installed on the station premises as part of the surveillance system at a cost Rs 30 lakh. The system is expected to ensure the safety of passengers and their belongings.
He also opened the renovated goods shed. Thiruvananthapuram Divisional Railway Manager Rajesh Agarwal, Kollam MP Peethambara Kurup and other senior railway officials accompanied him.
Later, he proceeded to Mayyanad Railway Station and opened the modernised ticketing counter and refurbished building and platform at the station. Peethambara Kurup opened the newly-built foot overbridge.
ROW OVER RAILWAY COURT
Meanwhile, a controversy has erupted over the newly-constructed building of the Railway Magistrate Court on the premises of the Kollam Railway Station.
The Railway Magistrate of Thiruvananthapuram Division K K Anujan had sent a letter to the Divisional Railway Manager stating that the shifting of the court from the existing room at the old railway station building was not intimated to a higher judicial authority. The letter was sent following information that the court will be opened by the General Manager during his visit. He said that no reply was received from the authorities in this regard. However, the inauguration was not held on Thursday.
The Railway Magistrate told Express that the prior consent of the High Court was necessary for shifting the Court, which is under the Kollam Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM).