A busy platform at the Lalgudi railway station is not passenger-friendly. Senior citizens, in particular, are an aggrieved lot.
The Lalgudi station is located along the busy chord line section a few km from Tiruchi. Conversion of the railway track from metre gauge to broad gauge happened years ago, but the height of platform no. 2 has not been raised till now.
A huge inconvenience to passengers, especially senior citizens, considering that long distance express trains bound for Tiruchi and other destinations halt here. Travellers say the height of the platform should be raised to a suitable level in order to enable them to alight easily from broad gauge coaches.
At present, the Chennai Egmore–Tiruchi–Chennai Egmore Rockfort Express and the Karaikudi–Tiruchi–Karaikudi Pallavan Express are the only two long distance superfast trains that halt at Lalgudi. In addition, passenger trains bound for Vriddhachalam and Cuddalore from Tiruchi make a brief stop at the station.
A resident of Lalgudi, P.J. Raja, who is an advocate, says the low platform makes it difficult for elders to alight from broad gauge compartments. It has not been raised to match the height of broad gauge coaches even after the gauge change. The height of the platform should be raised to that of platform no. 3, where trains bound for Chennai halt.
Another issue at the station is the absence of shelters at platform no. 3, where Chennai-bound Rockfort and Pallavan Express trains halt. The problem is acutely felt by passengers during sudden showers, he adds.
Residents say coach indication boards should also be installed on platform 2 and 3. Provision of toilets for ordinary passengers and construction of a rest room are the other facilities sought by the passengers.
