Low-level platform
Devakottai Road railway station in Sivaganga district serves about 750 passengers every day. But it lacks many amenities.
Even after gauge conversion, the platforms have not been raised in accordance with the height of broad gauge trains. Now, passengers have to brave the huge gap between the last step of the footboard and the low-level platform while boarding or alighting from trains.
Hence, many old passengers prefer to use Karaikudi Junction instead. Further, the station has no power generator.
When there is no power at night, passengers find it difficult to locate and get into their coaches. I appeal to the railway authorities to address these basic issues immediately.
N. Sabarathinam,
Devakottai
Safety of women
Safety of women has become a matter of concern in the backdrop of increase in incidents of violence against them.
They have become vulnerable and unsafe in the society.
Many eve-teasing and molestation incidents are never reported by the victim or her family on the premise that chances of getting justice is slim. Minor girls have also become a soft target for those under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The younger generation should take care to protect themselves. Parents should also take extra care about the safety of girls. Young girls should be cautioned about dangers involved in mingling with strangers, especially of the opposite sex.
C. Sudev,
Kilakarai
Open SBI ATM
There are four State Bank of India (SBI) ATMs in Paramakudi. The one at Govindapuram has been closed to facilitate construction of a railway overbridge. The Tamilnad Mercantile Bank ATM remains closed often as it runs out of cash. Hence, I request the SBI authorities to open an ATM at Maninagar on National Highway 49 to benefit the residents as well as pilgrims going to Rameswaram.
V. Rajendran,
Paramakudi
Open booths
Positive cases of H1N1 virus (swine flu) have been reported in the State. To prevent an outbreak, precautionary measures must be taken. The Tiruchi Corporation has established an IEC (Information-Education-Communication) booth at the airport to create awareness among air travellers of swine flu and dengue. Such booths can be opened in all the schools in Ramanathapuram. ‘Nilavembu’ concoction may also be given to the residents free of cost.
G. Nagasamy,
Ramanathapuram
Stop buses at Muthanendal
Muthanendal on the Madurai-Manamadurai stretch of National Highway 49 serves residents of many villages.
But not all private and government buses stop at Muthanendal.
After a public interest litigation petition was filed, the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court directed the Sivaganga Regional Transport Officer to take appropriate steps to ensure that all buses dropped and picked up passengers at Muthanendal.
However, no such direction has been issued to the crew, it seems. I request RTOs of Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram to depute officials to conduct surprise checks to ensure that all buses stop at Muthanendal as directed.
Asmabagh Anvardeen,
Ramanathapuram
