TIRUVALLA: The absence of foot over-bridge and the flawed design of the newly opened platforms at the Tiruvalla railway station have been causing severe hardships to passengers.
The third and fourth platforms, which were opened earlier this month as part of the track-doubling work between Kottayam and Chengannur, do not have sufficient height. Since the railway station is a transit point for a large number of Sabarimala pilgrims, the Railways' act of closing the first and second platforms without making adequate alternative arrangements has put the passengers in the lurch.
"Due to the absence of an over-bridge connecting the fourth platform with the entrance, passengers are forced to cross the track to enter the platform. Also, passengers visiting the railway station during the day time suffer sunburn as there is no roof over the fourth platform," said Damodaran of Kallooppara, a regular commuter. The only amenity available on the platform is a drinking water kiosk on the fourth platform.
"Getting down from train on the fourth platform of the Tiruvalla railway station is like hell. In fact, one should be lucky to escape without falling. Then comes the more dangerous part of crossing two busy tracks, negotiating heaps of loose rubble, and then climbing up on to the third platform," said Mathew Chacko, another passenger who expressed apprehensions over the glaring danger of crossing the railway track. When contacted, Railway officials said that the original plan was to open only the third platform. "But, crossing of trains between Chengannur and Changanassery often caused long delays, upsetting train schedules. Therefore, we decided to open the fourth platform. Work on the foot over-bridge is progressing, and it is expected to be opened after Jan 15," said an official.