Jharsuguda,Feb, 9: Passengers at Dhutra Railway Station, under the Chakradharpur Division of the South Eastern Railway on the Howrah–Mumbai main line, are facing numerous difficulties. There is no proper road connectivity leading to the station. Dense bushes and overgrown vegetation surrounding the station make it look almost hidden, like there is no clearly defined entrance. As a result, train passengers are facing considerable inconvenience.
In the evening, inadequate lighting arrangements at the station create major problems for travelers. Although there is a 10 HP water pump and four to five large water tanks installed at the station, there has been no proper drinking water facility available for the past five years.
The platform area is filled with termite-infested trees and wild vegetation. Despite having large multi-storey station buildings and two public announcement systems installed, proper announcements regarding train arrivals and departures are not audible. Even though there are five to six platforms, there are insufficient seating arrangements for passengers.
Dhutra UltraTech Cement Factory, located just 100 meters from the station, generates more than ₹5 crore in revenue per month for the Railways. However, neither the factory employees nor the general public are getting adequate railway facilities. The station is in a dilapidated condition, which has become a matter of concern and criticism for the people of Dhutra and nearby areas who depend on rail services.
Therefore, today at around 5 PM, several senior citizens, prominent persons, and youths of the village met Station Manager Arun Kangari and apprised him of the various issues.