Neglect turns railway station into dump

Authorities set up complaint desk, order daily inspections

LAHORE:

Lahore Railway Station, Pakistan's largest and most historic train station has turned into a sprawling garbage dump as a result of neglect and mismanagement.

Despite the presence of hundreds of employees, monthly salaries worth hundreds of thousands of rupees, and associated benefits, the station's management has failed to maintain basic cleanliness.

Visitors and passengers at Lahore Railway Station are met with an appalling sight: garbage and filth have overtaken what was once a scenic and bustling landmark.

The pungent odour forces passengers to endure long waits in discomfort as they await their trains. Facilities, including washrooms and waiting rooms, have fallen into disrepair, suggesting the sanitation staff has abandoned their duties.

Reports indicate that Lahore Railway Station, located just a stone's throw from the railway headquarters, is no longer a place of convenience but a source of hardship for travellers. Rats scurry along platforms three, four, and five, adding to the unsanitary conditions that greet the thousands of passengers who pass through daily.

Heaps of garbage contribute to the foul atmosphere, pushing many to seek refuge far from the platforms. When trains arrive, the resulting stampede is fuelled by passengers' desperate attempts to escape the stench.

Compounding these issues, the station's sewage system is severely compromised. Leaking pipes release wastewater that seeps across the platform, adding another layer of odour and health hazards.

The sight of large, bold rats has become common, prompting panic among passengers, especially women and children.

The sanitation staff, though reportedly employed and drawing monthly salaries, appears absent. Passengers allege that many cleaners are collecting pay while staying home, and the supervisor in charge seems to have neglected his duties altogether.

The state of the washrooms is particularly dire, with many travellers holding their breath and enduring discomfort rather than using the facilities.

Adding to travellers' frustrations, train delays stretching several hours have become routine. Despite paying thousands of rupees for tickets, passengers are often unable to reach their destinations on time.

Meanwhile, railway authorities maintain that they address complaints promptly, asserting that the sanitation staff has been reprimanded and platforms and facilities cleaned.

A railway spokesperson stated that the chief executive of Pakistan Railways has taken notice of the matter and has questioned the relevant officers.

The cleaning standards have reportedly been improved, and the washrooms have also been upgraded.

Additionally, a complaint desk has been set up, and officers will now conduct daily visits to the railway station.

However, the continuing conditions at Lahore Railway Station tell a different story. Without substantial and sustained efforts from management, the reputation of this iconic site and the comfort of its passengers remain at risk.

According to a passenger, Bilal, who travels two to three times a week, whenever he used the washroom, he returned without being able to use it due to the poor conditions.