Delhi: Thousands risk lives near Sarai Rohilla railway station every day
Over 60,000 passenger lives are risked daily at Sarai Rohilla station as the trains slow down nearby Daya Basti, an unlawful dwelling of criminals.
New Delhi: Sarai Rohilla railway station deals with over 60,000 passengers on a daily basis and their lives are at risk when the train reaches the railway station. It slows down near Daya Basti, an illegal dwelling of criminals and snatchers at a short distance and it is at this spot that passenger safety goes for a toss. The station is always jam packed in a never ending swarm of e-rickshaws and autos.
A railway official told The Times of India that people avoid portions of the station that are close to the unauthorised habitations at night due to fear of attack when the train slows down. The official also said that residents of the illegal habitations have tried to snatch his phone a couple of times.
In spite of the risks, passengers are bound to use the station. RN Singh, divisional railway manager, Delhi Division, Indian Railways told TOI that widening the existing access road is out of question as it is not a municipal corporation land. Reportedly, considering the unfavourable conditions at the station, Northern Railways is planning to construct a new access road near the station that could become the main approach road later.
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104 trains including Ajmer Jan Shatabdi, Himalayan Queen, Jaipur Double Decker and Champaran Satyagrah Express have a stop at Sarai Rohilla station every day.
Nevertheless, the site chosen for new access road is not free of obstructions as the inhabitants of the unauthorised colonies use it as a play area. Accidents have been reported there in the past. The railway staff has claimed to have tried uprooting the intruders from the area in vain as they returned some days later.
Singh added that the Railways will fence the areas in the station's vicinity to ensure proper land boundaries. Railway police can take actions if the trespassers intrude without unlawfully.