What everyone will agree though is that there is a desperate need for improvements here. This starkly came to the fore when the skies opened up recently.

Despite standing on platforms with shelters overhead, passengers waiting for their trains were seen running for cover with luggage in tow. Only half of Platforms 1 and 2 are covered by shelters and even they have gaping holes. Platforms 3 and 4 do not even have a namesake shelter.

It is not a comfortable life for the staff too. The restroom alloted for the pointsmen presented another shameful sight. Water was found dripping inside all over the walls. “I spent half an hour this morning pushing out the water that had stagnated inside with a broom. This room has remained the same over years despite many complaints,” a pointsman said.

Flaws
A railway official pointed out that the biggest flaw here is that Platforms 3 and 4 do have steps linking them to the  foot-over-bridge. So, those who want to reach these platforms are forced to walk on the railway tracks, despite the fact that trespassing on tracks is a bookable offence. None of the platforms have flooring on them.
A canteen exists is but it remains shut most of the time as the contractor keeps it open only in the morning and evening hours when trains are expected. It was a pathetic sight to watch passengers who come in early for their trains walking around looking for anything to eat or at least some tea.

"Despite being warned several times, the contractor refuses to keep it open throughout as he feels he is not gaining much money," said a source. The end result is that passengers have to go outside the station if they want to grab a bite.

Dumpyard
Overall, the station presents a clean appearance but in specific corners, you have miscellaneous stuff dumped together. Like the ‘Ladies waiting room’ which has a wheelchair and a table dumped on top of a sofa. And a chair is dumped on top of the table. The room was kept under lock and key with the fan left switched on for half a day.
Metal scraps were found strewn on either side of the tracks. On platform 2 were some signal-men trolleys left untended crowding the space intended for the passengers.

Next, the ticket counter remained shut. This reporter spent an hour at the same place one day trying to get hold of a platform ticket. When queried about it, a railway official expressed shock and said it was supposed to remain open during that hour.

There was some amusement in store though. Station Master M H Anil Kumar seen literally wielding a thin stick (similar to that village school masters take to classes) to make a pointsman carry out a chore. With substantial sums allotted to the South Western Railway to improve the condition of its stations, one hopes better days are in store for Yehalanka station.