Passengers ‘sweat it out’ on Thanjavur station’s platforms

TRICHY: It is scorching summer, but commuters arriving at Thanjavur railway junction have to virtually sweat it out if they have to wait for a train on any platform other than platform-1 due to the absence of fans. Platform one is equipped with all amenities, but rail passengers point out that Thanjavur railway junction is the second major station in Trichy railway division which calls for necessary amenities in all platforms.
Being a major tourism centre the station always witnesses tourists and devotees arriving and going and more than 50 trains including express, superfast express and weekly trains cross the station. Uzhavan Express originates at Thanjavur junction. However, passengers have to bear the heat if they have to wait for a train in platforms 2, 3 and 4. Commuters complained that it not just fans, but lighting, drinking water and rest rooms are also not properly provided in all the platforms. “The required number of drinking water facilities and restrooms is not provided at the station. The foot over bridge remains dark during night without lights,” V Jeevakumar, secretary of Cauvery Delta Rail Users Association, Thanjavur said.
Jeevakumar said ticket counters always remain crowded and passengers fight with each other to get tickets. However, there was no RPF police to regulate commuters.
When contacted, officials said since most of the trains are received only on platform one, other platforms did not have the required facilities. Senior divisional commercial manager I Senthil Kumar told TOI that the issue will be sorted out soon as the entire station will be upgraded under Amrit Bharat Station scheme.