KOZHIKODE: West Hill, along with its surrounding areas, which include the barracks and countless educational institutions, is one of the most important locations in Kozhikode city. Equally important is the West Hill railway station, which is frequented by both office-goers and students, who board local trains. However, this station, which comes under the ‘B’ grade category, continues to remain neglected and is one of the most difficult stations to board from, as told by a few female passengers.
Despite constant requests from the Railway Users Forum and public representatives to convert the West Hill station into Kozhikode North, no effort has been taken for this development.
Some of the students from the Government Polytechnic College, who board trains from West Hill station, say that lack of basic amenities at the station puts them in a fix many a time. “A large number of people board trains from this station. There are many women who depend on local trains and there is not even a single toilet for ladies here,” says Anjana T J, a student.
“There are no tea stalls here. Many of us board trains from our home early in the morning. By the time we reach West Hill, our college will not be open. We have to get off at the station and walk till the end of the road to find a hotel or a roadside tea stall. Most of the boys depend on the Ratnakara Hotel, which is open 24 hours, but we girls do not prefer to go there, especially if we are alone. It will be good if the Railways makes an effort to give permission for at least a tea stall and a ladies toilet here,” says Summaya, who comes from Vadakara.
“One of the main reasons why the station does not have any tea stall or toilets is because the station is not a major halt for trains. The initial effort should be to get as many halts here as possible. However, the Railways is now trying to cut down stops for trains in Kerala, which is going to work against the development of the Railways here,” says C E Chakunny, general secretary, Malabar Rail Users Association.
Malabar Railway Users Forum secretary Manalil Mohanan says the possibility of railway development in Kozhikode now lies in West Hill, Kallayi, Vellayil and Elathur stations.
“While discussing the development of the Railways to international standards, the discussion should not be limited to the Kozhikode main station. The main station now has enough amenities and basic facilities, including parking on both sides. They are discussing construction of a mall on the station premises, which is of little importance to the general public."
“Efforts must be taken to upgrade the West Hill station to Kozhikode North. Countless proposals have been given. Unfortunately we have found that the railway officials have not paid heed to it. Too many people depend on that station. Besides basic amenities, the railway authorities should also try to fix proper roofing. More than half the platform is left open, making it difficult during monsoon,” he says.