The unused escalator at Bhubaneswar railway station. Picture by Sanjib Mukherjee

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 17: Wrong choice of location for an escalator has affected a facility that was supposed to make movement easier for passengers at the Bhubaneswar railway station.

The first of its kind service was inaugurated here in June this year. But since the facility is located at the extreme end of the platform, few people prefer to use.

“It becomes difficult for elderly people to walk to the end of the platform with luggage to use it. Disabled people, too, are facing the same problem,” said Arunav Routray, a passenger.

The escalator has, now, become a resting place for rag-pickers and beggars. This has affected the escalator adversely as it often gets damaged and needs repair. Moreover, the authorities switch it off after 10pm though many long distance trains pass through the station late at night.

“It is not properly placed. Besides the authorities must ensure that it does not break down so frequently. There should be more escalators for other platforms too,” said Sheikh Nuruddhin, another passenger.

The East Coast Railway (ECoR) had taken a decision to build two escalators at the railway station at an estimated cost of Rs one crore.

While the first one was installed at platform No. 1, the second one is supposed to come up on platform No. 4. This is part of ECoR’s ambitious plan to upgrade the Bhubane-swar station at a cost of Rs 205 crore. The authorities have plans to upgrade it before Nabakalebar next year.

When asked about the lack of interest passengers had been showing for the escalator, railway officials said it had been placed towards the VIP lounge and women restroom.

Besides, those who want the service are using it, said an official.

“The second escalator will be built after the expansion work is complete. At present, construction of two more platforms is under way,” said a senior ECoR official.

Over seven lakh passengers use the station every month. Over 120 trains either originate or pass through Bhubaneswar station on a daily basis.