Gaya: The six-week-long mega block, which caused total disruption of operations on platform numbers 2 and 3 of Gaya railway station to facilitate works such as track maintenance, installation of an improved signalling system and air concourse girder installation, ended on March 22.However, rail users continue to face several problems because of shortcomings on different counts, including cattle and dog menace, narrow access routes, closure of the old overbridge on the Howrah side of the station and exorbitant parking charges.The mega block was enforced to facilitate execution of a part of the Rs 300 crore renovation and development project aimed at transforming the station to resemble an airport with state-of-the-art amenities for rail users and other stakeholders and enabling it to compare favourably with international standards.During the mega block, the Patna-Gaya section was the worst affected as eight passenger trains operating on this route had to be terminated at Chakand station, 8km north of Gaya railway station.According to station superintendent Vinod Kumar, as the mega block has ended, normal (pre-mega block) operations have resumed at the station and platform numbers 2 and 3 have become fully operational.But several problems faced by rail users continue, said Lalji Prasad, secretary of the Grand Chord Passengers Association.According to Prasad, people continue to miss trains as the approach from the Railway Hospital and Delha sides remains extremely narrow, causing perennial congestion and traffic jams.He added that proper alignment of the road overbridge at level crossing number 2 has not been carried out and the closure of level crossing number 1 has caused great inconvenience to the general public.Moreover, the foot overbridge on the Howrah side has been closed, forcing passengers to walk a much longer distance to reach platform numbers 2 to 8. Numbering of the platforms too remains confusing with four platforms carrying the same number 1 (1, 1A, 1B and 1C). Cattle and dog menace also persists on the station premises.The parking rate is also exorbitant. Parking charges at the station are more than double those at the airport. At the airport, the parking charge is only Rs 30 while it is Rs 75 at the station.Asked about the narrow approach, the station superintendent said the circulating area at both exit points has been sufficiently widened, but the approach route remains an area of concern.The issue also came up for discussion during a review meeting convened by Gaya Town MLA and assembly Speaker Prem Kumar. The Speaker assured railway officials that he would ask the DM to take the necessary steps for proper widening of the approach road on the Delha side as well as the Railway Hospital side.
