The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : SCR begins operation of newly constructed waiting halls

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Monday, Jun 02, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

SCR begins operation of newly constructed waiting halls

S. Sandeep Kumar

Hall situated on platform no. 10 meant for both upper, II class passengers

— PHOTO: NAGARA GOPAL

Makeshift chairs: The new waiting halls at Secunderabad Railway station remain closed for most of the day, causing inconvenience to passengers.

HYDERABAD: Persistent demand from passengers has forced the South Central Railway (SCR) to operate the newly constructed waiting halls on Bhoiguda side of the Secunderabad railway station.

Constructed on platform no. 10 in the station, the waiting halls are meant for both upper and second class passengers and have plush chairs, air-conditioners, pay-and-use toilets and ample space.

Everyday nearly 11,000 passengers visit the station, which earlier had waiting halls only on platform no.1.

Festive season

The number of passengers visiting the station almost doubles during festive and summer seasons, resulting in a requirement for additional waiting halls at the station. In tune with the requirement, the SCR had constructed two waiting halls on platform no. 10 on Bhoiguda side.

But passengers were unable to use the new halls as they remained closed for most of the day. On Saturday when this reporter visited the station, the halls were shut and in the mean time, trains like Sabari Express and Devagiri Express departed from the Secunderabad station.

Hardship

Passengers carrying heavy baggage had to climb stairs and go all the way to the waiting halls on platform no.1. “It would be convenient for passengers if railway authorities operate waiting halls on platform no. 10 regularly,” said Vishaal Reddy, a passenger.

The SCR spokesman has an explanation. “The waiting halls on platform no.10 are opened only when a passenger or express train arrives so as to avoid misuse of halls by MMTS and local train passengers,” he said.

He also maintained that the civil engineering department was taking up “some minor works” in the halls and they would very shortly be opened for round-the-clock usage!

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