Despite being bestowed with ‘A’ grade status, Haridwar railway station is far from enjoying the amenities and utilities it is entitled to. Ardh Kumbh mela now on, a series of steps have been taken to equip the station with the facilities it has remained shorn of. However, things are still not complete with just two days left for the first of the key snans on January 14 on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
Take for instance the work of opening nearly 40 counters in the station premises, started long back by the Railway authorities. Things are yet to be completed with time ticking by. Observers say, possibility of the work being completed before January 14 being remote, millions of pilgrims thronging the station would face messy situation.
However, when quizzed on the matter, Mela Adhikari S A Murugesan said, “The railway officials have confirmed that they would activate the newly constructed ticket counters before 14 January.” Station superintendent M K Singh also assured the same, saying nine counters have been opened for the tourists on the occasion of the first key snan. Till date, 18 ticket counters are ready for service out of the 40 scheduled to come up. The works would be completed by 15 February, he added.