No funds, Bengaluru Railway Station Gate 3 work stalls

Bengaluru: For those boarding a train from Krantiveera Sangolli Rayannna (KSR) railway station, getting into the station is quite a task, especially for those coming from South Bengaluru. In order to reach the main entrance (Gate 1) and Gate 2 one has to cross the road and dodge the traffic.

The South Western Railway had last year assured that in order to relieve the burden of passengers a Gate 3, with parking space and ticket counters, will be built. Though the project was supposed to get over by December last year, and a sum of Rs 1.5 crore was allocated for  the purpose, it has not even reached the half-way mark.

"It is April and we still don't see Gate 3 even half ready. All they need to do to is provide the parking lot and build a ticket counter. This is adjacent to Platform 1 and can easily be connected. There is not much work to be done," said Krishna Prasad from Karnataka Railway Vedike.

"For citizens coming from South Bengaluru, for example Jayanagar, it is difficult to access KSR railway station. Gate 3 would solve this issue as people commuting through Goodshed Road can easily enter it. It is also directly opposite Kempegowda Metro station," Krishna Prasad said, adding that it would also be beneficial for people travelling by metro.

When Deccan Chronicle visited the spot it appeared barren with no tarred road to serve as parking space. In the spot meant for ticket counters, there was a pile of stones. When Deccan Chronicle contacted Divisional Railway Manager Sanjiv Agarwal, he said, "The work got stopped last year temporarily due to funds crunch. Last year Rs 16 crore was allotted for passenger amenities, but there was an overall money shortage for all projects." "The next financial year has started and around the same amount has been sanctioned in total (Rs 14-15 crore) for passenger amenities. Work will restart now and in Gate 3 will be ready in one-and-half months," Agarwal assured.