BASIC FACILITIES LACK AT ARA JUNCTION

BASIC FACILITIES LACK AT ARA JUNCTION

9-JUNE-ENG 5

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------Amidst the scorching heat, when passengers should be finding relief, they are instead struggling for basic amenities at Arrah Junction. Falling under the East Central Railway, Arrah Junction holds a significant position in terms of revenue—ranking after Patna Junction and Danapur—and is designated as an 'A-category' station. Despite this, the facilities here fail to meet passenger expectations.

The most pressing issue during the sweltering heat of June is the availability of drinking water. Thousands of passengers travel through here daily, yet they are unable to access cold, clean water. As soon as trains arrive, passengers rush to the taps and water booths with their bottles, only to encounter complaints of hot and allegedly contaminated water.

According to passengers, most taps on platforms 1 through 4 are dispensing hot water. Many have questioned the water quality, deeming it unfit for consumption. Consequently, passengers are forced to either use this water or seek alternatives.

Due to the lack of adequate cold water arrangements by the railways, passengers are compelled to buy bottled water on the platforms. Passengers allege that brands other than the authorized railway brand, 'Rail Neer,' are often sold. People are forced to purchase cold water at any cost to find relief from the heat.

It is not just water; the lack of adequate platform roofing (sheds) is also a major issue. Platforms 1 through 3 lack sufficient roofing, forcing passengers to wait for trains under the blazing sun. This has led to people falling ill, yet there appears to be no improvement in the situation.

Station Manager N.K. Rai has dismissed the passengers' complaints as baseless. He maintains that cold water facilities have been provided on platforms 1 through 4 and that there is no shortage of drinking water. However, there is a clear discrepancy between the passengers' experiences and the claims made by the station administration.

In this situation, it is essential for the Railway Department to inspect the arrangements on the ground and ensure the availability of clean, cold drinking water for passengers, thereby providing them with relief during this scorching heat.