Work on a lift on platform one and an escalator on platform two of the Ernakulam Town railway station are nearing completion, to help the elderly and handicapped people.
The Railway had installed two lifts covering platforms one, two and three in the Ernakulam Junction railway station a week ago. A senior official said that the lifts operate round the clock and can carry up to 13 passengers.
The lifts have been installed even as five platforms (all except the sixth platform) here have escalators. “Some unscrupulous passengers deliberately press the emergency stop button of escalators, bringing them to a halt. Their key is available only in the station master office and the electrical staff room. Restarting them thus takes time,” he said.
With complaints pouring in from commuters that they have to go to platform one for using toilets, the Railway is also constructing toilets in platform two and three of the station.
Chairs too are in short supply on platforms two to six. A few hospitals and banks that the Railway approached seeking sponsorship for chairs were not keen on setting apart their corporate social responsibility funds, it is learnt.
Food plaza
In the meantime, a prominent hotel group is expected to shortly begin selling food items at the station’s food plaza that was closed down a year ago. Kudumbasree too might pitch in with eateries at the two stations, considering their good track record in operating AC passenger waiting halls and parking lots.
Passengers’ demand
Paul Manvettom, president of All Kerala Railway Users’ Association, sought installation of CCTV cameras on platforms.
He also sought steps to restart the operation of the battery-operated vehicle that used to ferry needy passengers through the station.
