Sambalpur: Parking Chaos at Khetrajpur Railway Station in Sambalpur; Passengers Complain of Exploitation
Passengers Complain of Harassment
Sambalpur: In Sambalpur, passengers and their families have raised allegations of exploitation over parking at the Khetrajpur Railway Station. They claim that apart from the paid parking area, there are no alternative arrangements for vehicle parking. Passengers arriving for quick tasks, like ticket inquiries or purchases, often park their vehicles for just 2-5 minutes in the free lane. However, by the time they return, railway police seize their vehicles. These passengers are then treated like offenders and presented before a magistrate, after which they are fined and released.
High Charges Even for Short Parking
The official paid parking charge Rs. 20 for 24 hours for two-wheelers. Surprisingly, even if a vehicle is parked for just 5 minutes, the same amount is charged. Additionally, waiting in long queues for parking tickets often takes over 20 minutes. This has made it more expensive for passengers to park in the free lane, where fines add up quickly than to use the paid parking facility.
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Demand for Free Parking Persists
Passengers traveling to the station for tasks like ticket purchases have long demanded free parking. However, since the parking lot generates significant revenue for the railways, authorities remain silent on the issue. To address this, a written complaint was submitted today to the Sambalpur DRM.
Passengers Face Mistreatment
CCTV monitors all activities, according to RPF Inspector Sandeep Kumar, who was responding to complaints from passengers claiming that authorities treat them like criminals for parking violations, even when they have not committed any serious offenses. The department acts in accordance with higher-level instructions and legal procedures.
Call for Alternative Arrangements
The RPF has assured passengers that alternatives for short-term parking will be considered. However, they added that such changes are beyond their jurisdiction and require approval from higher authorities. The issue has brought attention to the need for practical parking solutions at the station.
