Kayamkulam: At the Kayamkulam railway station, one is supposed to pay and park. Though a parking fee is duly charged, authorities have not bothered to provide basic facilities required for a parking lot.
Kudumbasree was handed over the parking lot management after the railway authorities decided to improve the parking facilities and charge a fee for parking vehicles.
The railway authorities have set aside 1600 sq ft of space north and south of the station for two-wheeler and car parking. However, thousands of people who arrive on two-wheelers have no space to park their vehicles.
Though more space was supposed to be allotted on the west side, no measures have been taken for the same. Due to lack of space, people now park their vehicles on the roadside in front of the station and near the bus stand.
This haphazard parking is now affecting traffic movement and creating difficulties for passengers. Most people leave their vehicles outside to take the train in the morning and return by evening, only to find their vehicles in a sorry state due to accumulation of dust and dirt and bird droppings. Their misery is compounded during rainy season, when water is splashed from puddles on roads on to their vehicles.
According to terms, vehicles are to be provided shelter from rain and sun. Though the fee is collected without fail there is no initiative from the side of authorities to provide basic facilities for parking vehicles.
Kudumbasree workers have been managing fee collection at the railway station since the past five months. But there are no safety measures in place for the women who collect the money. There is no shelter for them during rains. At night, there is no illumination, forcing them to come to work without wearing jewelry and in the company of family members for their safety.
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