Kumbala: Mornings have just become a bit tougher for daily commuters at Kumbala Railway Station. The canteen at the station, which has long served as a lifeline for tea, snacks, and drinking water, has been closed for building renovations, leaving passengers without their usual refreshment stop.

Complaints have now surfaced that the closure was implemented without arranging any alternative facilities.

Students arriving at the station in the mornings and travelers who are unwell have long relied on the canteen for a quick refreshment. With no temporary solution in place, many are struggling, especially passengers in general compartments, where access to basic refreshments is already limited.

The closure has sparked frustration, with passengers saying that a little planning could have prevented this daily disruption.

Kumbala Railway Station has long faced challenges due to limited basic facilities. To address this, the Union Railway Ministry has been carrying out renovation works here in a phased manner.As part of it, the platform was first upgraded with new tiles, followed by the construction of waiting rooms and restrooms. A lift is also under construction to help passengers reach the platforms more easily.

The upcoming construction of a new canteen building is part of the fourth phase of these upgrades. Passengers, however, suggest that instead of shutting the canteen completely, a temporary setup similar to a roadside eatery (Thattukada) should be provided to ensure services continue uninterrupted during the renovation.