NEW DELHI: While Indian Railways is aiming to develop world class terminals across the country, the national capital’s four main train stations—New Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Old Delhi and Anand Vihar Terminal—are in a sorry state. Delhi being the heart of India provides rail connectivity to almost all states and these stations together record a footfall of nearly 15 lakh every day.
An assessment by Passenger Services Committee, appointed by Ministry of Railways, has presented a shocking picture. From drug addicts loitering at New Delhi station to entry being blocked by encroachers at Nizamuddin terminal, the committee under former Lok Sabha MP Lal Bihari Tiwari in its report submitted to Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, found improper management and poor infrastructure like broken benches, lack of toilets and drinking water, and garbage dumped on tracks. Based on this, the 15-member committee made recommendations to improve passenger amenities and services at these railways stations. Below are the committee’s station-wise observations.
Old Delhi Railway Station
Tracks are turned into garbage dumping sites causing foul smell and making it difficult for passengers to even stand on the platforms
There is a need for complete overhaul with proper drainage system, marble flooring, and adequate water and toilet facility, seeing the massive rush it handles every day. Nearly, 3.5 lakh passengers visit here regularly.
It was found that for those travelling sleeper class, there was one common toilet for both male and female passengers inside the waiting room. And it was dirty. Tracks on platform 9 and 10 were found to be dumping ground for garbage and human excrete causing a foul smell and making it difficult for the travellers to even stand.
There is an acute problem of garbage disposal and everything was dumped on extreme ends of the platform, which ruins the purpose of Indian railways ‘Swachh Bharat Swachh Rail’ campaign.
There was no arrangements for removal of rain/accumulated water at platforms and this led to stagnation of water resulting in a foul smell. At many places, dustbins were broken and garbage was lying open on the platforms inviting insects, dogs and rodents.
Being the nearest railway station to the historic Red Fort and Jama Masjid, the Old Delhi station had no tourist information centre.
Anand Vihar Terminal
Poor infrastructure inside waiting rooms and demand for chairs have been pending for years
Railway Protection Force, which monitors security on the stations, failed to provide CCTV footage when asked. The committee said this needs to be corrected since it jeopardises the security of several passengers. It is the newest among all the four railway stations and witnesses a footfall of 3.5 lakh per day.
There were not enough chairs in the waiting rooms. The station manger has placed requests for more chairs, but it is yet to be cleared. Though there were a few ceiling fans in the waiting room, the women’s retiring room lacked air conditioners.
The Jan Aahar at railway stations was found to be of poor quality and 25 per cent less in quantity as prescribed by the authorities. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian food was kept together despite being asked to keep it separate.
There was no stall on platform 1 and dustbins were found to be broken, which needed immediate attention. Even this station lacked a tourist information centre.
New Delhi Railway Station
Drug addicts loiter at the two entrance gates posing a threat to the safety of passengers
Drug addicts and other anti-social people can be seen loitering in large numbers near the two entry gates—Paharganj and Ajmeri Gate—of the New Delhi railway station. They pose threat to passengers’ security and should be removed immediately.
This station receives nearly six lakh passengers per day, but shockingly there is not enough security measures. Keeping in mind the high footfall, required arrangements need to be made immediately. At VIP entrances, photo identity cards of travellers should be checked.
Add to it, toilets were in bad shape and at many places, commode covers were missing. There was a shortage of cleaning staff especially in the women’s waiting rooms. Male housekeeping staff was found cleaning the toilets. At some platforms, there were no adequate arrangement for clean drinking water for passengers. The ceiling fans have been put away from benches used by passengers. Overcharging at pay and use toilet, cleanliness and better facilities for senior citizens and patients were other areas that need improvement.
Nizamuddin Railway Station
Encroachments by shopkeepers at entrance gate make entry of passengers difficult
Encroachments at the entrance gate from Sarai Kale Khan to the railway station makes it difficult for passengers to enter the platform. The dhabas and eateries need to be removed immediately and a proper entrance to the station be made at the earliest.
Experiencing a footfall of two lakh passengers every day, it was found that escalators on platform 1 of the terminal was not working and the key to operate it was with a vendor/private book seller.
At the Janta meal stall, it was found that the food quantity was less than the prescribed limit and the number of items were also less in the food packets.
Add to it, toilets were dirty, garbage was dumped on the platforms and tracks, and infrastructure in the waiting rooms was in a sorry state of affairs. In one of the platforms, all the ceiling fans were non-functional, while passengers suffered in the scorching heat.
