RAIN EXPOSED FLAWS AT ARA JUNCTION

RAIN EXPOSED FLAWS AT ARA JUNCTION

19-AUG-ENG 17

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------Even a brief spell of rain has exposed the inadequate drainage system at Ara Railway Junction, a key station in the Danapur Railway Division. Whenever it rains, dirty water accumulates at both main entrances of the station complex, causing significant inconvenience to passengers. The situation is such that women, the elderly, and small children are forced to wade through this dirty water to enter or exit the station. Many passengers have to carry their footwear in their hands to cross the waterlogged areas, leading to growing resentment among them towards the railway administration.

It is reported that the old drains within the railway premises have not been functioning properly for a long time. Due to the lack of regular cleaning and an efficient drainage system, rainwater accumulates in the station complex. Locals attribute the difficulty in water drainage to the raised level of the adjacent Bihar government road combined with the railway's poor drainage infrastructure. The accumulation of dirty water at the main entrances after rainfall becomes a major hassle for travelers.

Passengers arriving at the station argue that a significant hub like Ara Junction should offer better basic amenities. Waterlogging at the main entrances makes entering and exiting the station difficult, causing the most trouble for the elderly, women, and small children. Passengers also point out the persistent risk of slipping and accidents due to the waterlogged conditions.

According to railway sources, a project to construct a drain within the railway premises—aimed at providing a permanent solution to the drainage issue—has been proposed under the 'Gati Shakti' scheme. During an inspection of Ara Junction, the Danapur Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) had instructed the concerned officials to undertake drain construction and rectify the drainage system. Despite this, the construction work has yet to commence on the ground. Consequently, the problem of waterlogging in the station complex resurfaces whenever it rains. In this matter, Railway CHI Jitendra Singh stated that passengers are facing difficulties due to water accumulation at both main entrances of the station during rains. Station Manager NK Rai and the CHI have corresponded with the Danapur headquarters regarding this issue.

He explained that the drain construction work within the railway premises falls under the 'Gati Shakti' initiative. Currently, building construction is underway under Gati Shakti, but the lack of drain construction is causing rainwater and drainage water to accumulate in the complex.

Ara Junction generates significant revenue for the Railways and is a key station in the Danapur Railway Division. Consequently, passengers are demanding a permanent solution to the drainage problem within the station premises. Passengers argue that providing basic amenities like cleanliness and effective drainage is a primary responsibility of the Railways; therefore, the drain construction work needs to start immediately to relieve passengers from the waterlogging issue.

With the onset of rain, the stagnant, dirty water at Ara Junction's main entrances has posed a major question for the railway administration: when will passengers finally get permanent relief from this trouble?