Despite Line Doubling, Platform Access Remains a Challenge for Rail Users

HUBBALLI –

Even as over 90 percent of line doubling has been completed in the South Western Railway (SWR) zone, passengers across Karnataka continue to face significant inconvenience. Most trains continue to arrive on the left-side tracks, usually on Platform-2 or beyond, compelling passengers to either climb Foot-Over Bridges (FOBs) or dangerously cross tracks to access Platform-1, which is always on the town side of stations.

The brunt of this system is borne by the elderly, women, and passengers with heavy luggage. Mahmad Basha Attar, a pro-Kannada activist from Koppal, raised concerns about trains from Hubballi consistently arriving on Platform-2 even when Platform-1 is vacant. "It’s acceptable when Platform-1 is occupied, but now all Hosapete-bound trains are routed to Platform-2 as a rule. A senior citizen even suffered a fatal heart attack while climbing the FOB to reach Platform-2,” he said, adding that Hosapete faces a similar issue.

SWR officials say the problem isn’t unique to the region. “At typical four-line stations, Roads-2 and 3 are mainlines with an island platform in between. Receiving a train on Road-3 maintains efficiency, while bringing it to Road-1 requires using two extra crossovers,” explained Dr. Manjunath Kanamadi, Chief Public Relations Officer, SWR.

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"This setup may delay other trains on the mainline and affect punctuality. However, we are making efforts to receive as many trains as possible on Road-1, wherever and whenever feasible,” said Dr. Manjunath Kanamadi, CPRO, SWR.