Charlapalli Entry Closed After Panel Collapse
Passenger inconvenience grows as repairs continue; worker safely rescued after incident
Hyderabad: Railway authorities closed the entrance to the Charlapalli railway station after some panels collapsed during heavy rain and winds late on Saturday, which caused inconvenience to passengers. No one was injured in the incident, but videos went viral and left passengers scared.
A worker who was repairing the collapsed portion reportedly lost consciousness on Sunday. He was safely rescued, sources said. Otherwise, repair works were on at the terminal that was inaugurated with fanfare in January.
Passengers complained about a lack of information at the station. Jothi B, a homemaker who arrived at the station with her family at about noon, said, “We didn’t know about the incident. After we got down at the station, we were stopped near the main exit and had to walk all the way to the other side of the station with our luggage and kids in this summer heat.”
Another passenger, Ganesh M, said, “With the main entrance blocked, people struggled to find cabs and autorickshaws. Because the entrance was blocked, people who landed there are facing trouble. There’s traffic on the other side, and it’s very confusing.”
Some passengers expressed frustration at the incident. One of them said. “So much money is being invested, but where is the safety and comfort for the public? Incidents like this happen only in India.”
However, the incident did not affect railway operations. A railway staffer, who wished not to be named, told Deccan Chronicle, “The incident has not affected trains. There have been no delays.”
Passengers also pointed out that there are no clear signboards to guide travellers from the main road to the station. Many of the passenger shelters inside the station were incomplete, and few lifts are not in working condition.
The non-functioning of elevators made it challenging for senior citizens and people with luggage to navigate the terminal.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a food stall vendor said, “We moved to this station a month ago. There is hardly any crowd, and not all stalls are open.” He said Saturday’s incident had not affected his business.”
