Kochi: A portion of the newly-laid railway platform has sunk into ground at Edappally railway station, bringing out one of the rare instances when railway construction work has suffered from lack of professionalism.
The main platform which can accommodate 24-coach trains has been constructed only a couple of months back and already cracks and holes have been formed at overhead electricity post number 98/26.
“The same is a result of unscientific construction. Even after detecting the holes, they are filling it with concrete and do temporary fillings. The crack at Coach Position 2 of the main platform is getting bigger by each passing days,” said Sony Antony, a daily commuter and a resident of Chalakkudy.
According to sources, there was loose earth underneath the platform portion and the construction team started concreting before the fillings get set. “Now the 50 metres section needs to be re-laid after stren-gthening the underneath portion. Also protection wall should be constructed on the side of the platform so that loose earth won’t give way,” they said.
When contacted, Ernakulam Area Manager Nithin Nobert said he would take up the matter with the Thrissur Construction wing and the appropriate action would be taken.
Meanwhile, the station is still facing neglect from authorities with long pending demands like extension of foot overbridge, connection to the approach road from southern side of the station and halts for more trains.
“Urgent measures should be taken to ensure proper lighting in the station and near-by premises as hundreds of women commuters coming to a hospital near-by use the station even at night. The high mast light set up at before the hospital road over a year ago are yet to be made functional,” said Bobby Antony, a member of Ponekkara Central Residents Association.
“We’re ready to foot power and maintenance cost. However, electricity connection and other such things is the responsibility of Hibi Eden, MP, from whose MLA fund it was set up,” said Ponekkara councillor Elizabeth Sebastian.
