BENGALURU: Though many express trains halt at Cantonment railway station and it is a preferred boarding and alighting point for many passengers, the South Western Railways has done little to make it commuter friendly.
The station has no escalators or lift, no ramp for the disabled and the construction of roof at one of its four platforms has been delayed for months.
Even entering the station after parking on the opposite side of the road is a Herculean task as there are no pedestrian signals.
As there are no lifts and escalators, passengers have to haul their luggage and climb steps to reach the platforms. Quite often when an announcement is made of a train arrival at a particular platform, there is a scramble at the steps.
The delay in completion of shelter at Platform 1A at Cantonment station is causing inconvenience to passengers, as they are exposed to hot sun and rains. Though the frame for the shelter was erected many months ago, the roof has not yet been laid.
“Two weeks ago I had gone to Cantonment station to drop my relative, who had recently undergone a surgery. It was very difficult to take him through the steps. The station badly needs lifts or escalators," a passenger said.
Recently a four-member Passenger Services Committee of the Railway Board visited various stations in the city to assess passenger amenities. Top railway officials took the team around platforms, toilets and catering units at Cantonment station.
The committee appeared satisfied with facilities at Cantonment station, except they suggested installation of lifts and escalators. A railway official assured it will be installed soon.
