As the shutdown of the Panchrukhi railway station’s main entrance forces passengers to navigate the railway tracks, locals are left fuming at what they see as the authorities’ apathy towards the decade-old issue. The once-thriving station, which serves as a lifeblood for hundreds of daily commuters, has fallen into disrepair, now overridden with shrubs and lantana. The platform, poorly maintained and inadequately elevated, poses a significant challenge for senior citizens and people with disabilities, while the risk of accidents is palpable.
The stories of residents like 40-year-old Satish Sharma are a testament to the importance of this railway station. “This station is a lifeline for many of us,” he emphasized. “Four daily trains operate between Nurpur and Baijnath. The British-era narrow-gauge railway is still a crucial mode of transport for thousands.” However, despite multiple representations and complaints submitted to the railway authorities, the condition remains abysmal.
The issue has also been brought to the attention of the Centre, with Rajiv Bharadwaj, BJP MP from Kangra, raising concerns about the declining infrastructure along the Pathankot-Jogindernagar narrow gauge line during the recent Budget session of Parliament. His appeal for upgrading the line to broad gauge to meet the rising demand and modern standards still awaits action.
Meanwhile, ticketing services at the station were outsourced to a local contractor on a commission basis, only to be discontinued due to lack of decent returns. The contractor cited that most passengers travel without tickets, rendering the system unsustainable. This move has only added to the frustration, as residents already grapple with the prospect of facing the tracks to access the platform.
The irony is palpable, given the surge in bus fares, which has pushed many to opt for the more affordable rail alternative. A journey from Palampur to Nurpur, once possible by bus, now costs around Rs 150, compared to the Rs 20 it costs by train. The railway remains an attractive option, but the facilities at Panchrukhi are in dire need of restoration and modernization. As public frustration mounts, calls for immediate intervention from the Railway Ministry have become loud and clear, echoing the demands of residents like Sharma: “The railway station is a vital lifeline; we need the authorities to take notice of our concerns and restore it to its former glory.”
Original Source: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/residents-decry-neglect-of-panchrukhi-railway-station/
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Publish Date: 2025-04-08 03:17:00
