Title - Residents up in arms against railways on approach roads

TRIPUNITHURA :
Residents are up in arms against the Railways for failing to keep its word again. The decision to complete the work of the two approach roads to the station by May 15 still remains on paper.The railway authorities had promised to complete the work by mid-May at a meeting with  residents’ representatives.  Sources with the Railways said the authorities were yet to begin the tender procedures. Meanwhile, the residents have demanded for the immediate completion of development work before monsoon sets in .The lack of facilities at the station causes a lot of inconvenience to passengers. “We had been staging protests demanding the development of the railway station for years. Finally, the authorities organised a meeting to discuss the issues and it was decided to launch the work but the proposals to develop the approach roads are yet to be implemented. We will start protesting again,” they said. The delay in implementing the proposals is a hindrance to vehicles coming to and from the station. “The roads have been neglected for the past many years. The main road is yet to be tarred despite being widened a year ago. The other approach road is very narrow,” they said. Railways sources also said that the beautification work of the station would be delayed. “Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) Kochi Refinery has already contributed `7.34 lakh for providing basic amenities. The fund can be used for setting up facilities like electronic display boards, water coolers and shelters. But, the beatification proposals can be implemented only after the completion of the work of the approach roads.” they said.Meanwhile, Ernakulam Railways Area Manager, P L Ashok Kumar said that the development work of the approach roads would commence soon.“The tender procedures are in progress.”