2nd entry gate to Central railway station to be closed for security reasons

• Strong opposition to the railway department’s action

Mangaluru: Other than the main entrance to the Mangaluru Central Railway Station (MAQ), there is another entrance gate to the railway station from the Attavar side. But, the Palghat Railway Division has now decided to close the second entrance gate giving the excuse of security concerns and work. It is worth mentioning that the second entrance to the railway station is more convenient for the passengers. Henceforth, those wishing to enter the central railway station from the side of Attavar will be forced to reach the station exclusively from the main entrance.

The second entrance gate to Mangaluru central railway station was being used by passengers from several years. However, the railway department had not considered this as an authorised entrance gate. But, in the backdrop of the continuous demands of the passengers and railway users to develop the second entrance gate, identify it as an authorised entrance gate and provide admission through it, the Palghat Division repaired the almost destroyed road to the entrance and opened it for passengers, auto rickshaws and other vehicles. In order to provide security, scanning facility and CC Cameras were installed here.

The excuse of security, work

The second entrance gate at Mangaluru central railway station is not official. There is no opportunity for a second entrance here. Therefore it is being closed for security reason (primary reason for the closure). However, this is being considered as a temporary attempt to relieve opposition from passengers.

This area is being closed in the backdrop of taking up of work here. After the work has been completed, the area will be opened, explains Divisional Railway Manager, Palghat division.

Heavy density at the main entrance

In order to reduce the passenger density at the entrance of Mangaluru central railway station, the second entrance had been developed. It was convenient to access the second and third platforms from here. There was no need for the elderly, and the patients to climb the railway foot over bridge. Normally, the passenger and vehicle density at the railway station is at its highest during the morning and evening. Since there were two entrances, it was easier for the passengers to depart from the station. The closure of the second entrance may lead to a drastic rise in the density at the railway station.

Reduction of facilities is not right

The railway department’s action to stop the available facilities at Mangaluru central railway station instead of increasing facilities is not correct. The number of trains at central railway station is rising. Also the passenger and vehicle density is increasing. If there is a security concern here, then the department should take action to rectify the problem. But instead, the action to close has been taken and validity of this action is being questioned by the public.

Barrier construction

Access to the second entrance has been prevented with the installation of a barricade tape here. The passengers, rickshaw and vehicle drivers and the public have expressed widespread opposition to this. Due to the access restriction here, the passengers are forced to enter the railway station through the main entrance. We have already brought this to the notice of the MP, say the rickshaw drivers.

Notice sent to not to close

“The decision to close the second entrance at the Central railway station has come to my notice. I have already sent a notice to the Palghat Division to not to close the entry gate,” said MP Nalin.

Action to close entry gate

“Action has been taken to close the second entrance gate to Mangaluru Central railway station. Construction work will be taken up in this area. Therefore the entry has to be stopped,” said Pratap Singh Shami, Divisional Railway Manager of Southern Railways Palakkad Division.

Article by Keshav Kunder translated into English by Aaron Dmello