Thiruvananthapuram: Passengers arriving at Thiruvananthapuram central railway station are facing significant inconvenience due to faulty escalators that hinder access to exits and the absence of escalators for descending to platforms to board trains.
Recent Escalator Malfunctions Cause Injuries
On Wednesday, a few passengers were injured when an escalator on Platform 5 malfunctioned. Passengers who alighted from the Vanchinadu Express stepped onto the moving escalator, which abruptly stopped, causing people to lose their balance and fall. Just a week earlier, passengers who got down from trains at Platform 7 had to climb up a non-functional escalator while carrying heavy luggage. Such incidents are becoming increasingly frequent, according to travelers.
Inadequate Facilities and Safety Concerns
The station also lacks escalators for passengers who need to descend to a platform. Lifts are insufficient for the crowd at the station. Liyons J of Friends on Rails stated that the escalator accident resulted from negligence and that this was not the first time such snags have inconvenienced people. "On Tuesday, when a similar issue occurred, passengers reported it to the railway police aid post. When informed about the escalator moving backwards, passengers were told that the authorities concerned would be notified," Liyons said. He added, "If hair or clothing had got caught in the machinery, it could have led to a major disaster. The railways is not taking action against those responsible for such issues."
Redevelopment Work Adds to Problems
There are snags to facilities because of redevelopment work, which has also reduced space on platforms. "Many stations are undergoing maintenance without adequate safety measures. Months ago, an accident occurred in Kollam when a sheet fell during work. Minor accidents go unnoticed. Instead of waiting to act after accidents occur, the railway should prioritize preventive measures for passenger safety," he added.
Check West Bengal Madhyamik Result 2026 online at TOI.
