Dire need of facilities, security at Fort station

THE lack of basic facilities and security at Fort railway station are major causes for passenger frustration. The station, the first in the district, can be approached using either Fort Station Road or Shastri Road. It is located in a residential area and Army procurement are brought to the station to be transported to Tiruchy Railway Junction.


Several trains from this station operate to Kulithalai, Karur and Erode and it is also an important transit point for Tiruchy junction. In spite of its importance, the station is poorly maintained, leading to passenger complaints about there being no drinking water or toilet facilities. Safety is an other issue and passengers have been critical of the lax security at the station. Passenger M Senthil Kumar said, "To be here is discomforting. The platforms are unclean and surrounding areas too are extremely dirty.

The station needs to be renovated and regularly maintained." Also, he complained of the lack of drinking water facilities and poor illumination, which makes nights at the station a frightening experience. Another passenger, V Manogaz. said, "The station is infested with Karuvela trees. At night, one can spot numerous people consuming liquor and taking drugs. Families and especially women, are intimidated by such activities. There are many Tiruchy residents from the surrounding areas who use this station every day to go to work and return at night. The authorities should seriously consider improving the facilities and make the station more passenger-friendly" When contacted, a Tiruchy railway division official assured , "There is sufficient infrastructure at the station. If people approach us with their needs, we will improve matters with the revenue the station generates."

source: epaper.new indianexpress . com/c/34863270