News
The curse of the railways
View(s):With Railway Trade Unions planning to launch a fresh strike next week demanding salary allowances after talks failed with authorities, the public who use this mode of transport on a daily basis have voiced their concerns over the quality of the service provided by the department and its employees.
Story and pix by Priyantha Wickramarachchi and Reka Tharangani
Cracked windows, poorly managed lavatories, water leakages and depleted compartments are some of the common features of a railway journey a rail commuter encounters.
Incidents of railway compartments becoming uncoupled from the engines also cause unnecessary delays for passengers mid-journey.
In addition to all of these, random street vendors and beggars make their way through crowded compartments during peak-hour train commutes even as Railway Guards look on.
With the Treasury funding billions of rupees each year since the department failed to generate adequate revenue for its staff, passengers ask whether it is too much to expect authorities to ensure a decent and safe journey for citizens whom they claim to serve.
Frequent uncoupling leads to long delays
Railway disputes add to delays
Commuters find themselves stranded every now and then
A not very pleasant ride
Many people, including school children, depend on trains for daily transport