Ludhiana: Residents expect high from railway budget

The residents of Ludhiana have high expectations from the railway budget as they seek better facilities at the city railway station. The railway budget is to be presented in Lok Sabha on February 26.

The demands of the city residents include adequate sitting arrangements, drinking water facility, neat and clean toilets, installation of escalators among others. People expect that railway fare will not be hiked as last year the same was increased by 14.2%.

A passenger, Ravidas Shukla, said, “Last year, the Modi government hiked rail fare just after assuming power at the Centre. I hope they will give better facilities to railway passengers.”

Despite the initiation of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, people still find it difficult to use toilets in trains and at platforms.

Another passenger, Vanita said merely cleaning the platform premises is not satisfactory as commuters want cleanliness in toilets as well.

A new overbridge was constructed here but no escalator has been installed, which is a must for physically challenged and senior citizens. The number of ticket booking counters is not adequate as huge rush is witnessed here.

Even Member of Parliament (MP) from Ludhiana, Ravneet Singh Bittu has raised the issue of basic facilities with Union railway minister Suresh Prabhu, besides seeking change in the schedule of a few trains.

I hope government will not increase fare this time as it was done last year. Basic facilities and new trains should be started, which is the need of the hour.

Nem Kumar, Sundar Nagar

Women's safety is a major issue. There is no security in the trains for women. The number of women coaches should be increased as only one coach in a train fails to serve the purpose.

Shashi Jain, Sundar Nagar

Ludhiana railway station should be upgraded to make it a world class station. Ludhiana is a major industrial city and railway station is a mirror to it. Better facilities sould be ensured.

Amit Jain, Haibowal

Cleanliness is a major issue in the trains so it should be a priority of the government. The people who are found littering, should be fined.

Beena Kumari, a daily passenger from Jalandhar

Residents' demands

Change in timings of Shatabdi train from Ludhiana to Delhi.

Trains from UP and Bihar should take a halt at Dhandhari station.

Security for women and cleanliness should be ensured in trains.

Increase the number of general coaches.

Basic facilities like adequate benches, drinking water, cleanliness at platforms as well as toilets should be ensured.

Escalators should be there at the railway station for the physically handicapped and senior citizens