Overgrown bushes, waste; Kalavoor & Mararikkulam railway stations in state of neglect

Kalavoor: Serious lapses in ensuring passenger safety have come to light at the Kalavoor and Mararikkulam railway stations. Both stations are plagued by unchecked wild growth, with thick bushes, weeds and vines overtaking the premises and even encroaching onto passenger seating areas on the platforms.

At Mararikkulam station, Platform No 2 is almost entirely engulfed by overgrown vegetation. The northern end of Platform 1 too is similarly overwhelmed by dense undergrowth. The situation is no better at Kalavoor station, where weeds and vines have grown perilously close to passenger benches, making it uncomfortable and unsafe for waiting commuters.

Adding to the concern is the severe menace of stray dogs, reported at both stations. The other day, a passenger on his way to board an early morning train to Kannur was bitten by a snake on the station premises. The youth is currently in critical condition and undergoing treatment at the Alappuzha Medical College Hospital.

Despite these stations being frequented by hundreds of daily commuters and having been allocated express train stoppages, basic amenities remain sorely lacking. Neither station has a footbridge or adequate roofing in place. As a result, passengers are forced to cross railway tracks to reach other platforms, a dangerous task especially for differently-abled individuals and women.

Currently, only the main entrance of Platform 1 has a roof, leaving passengers exposed to the sun and rain while they wait for trains. The lack of shelter is a daily ordeal for many, especially during monsoons.

Mararikkulam station also serves as a key entry point for visitors, including foreign tourists, heading to the popular Mararikkulam beach.