Railway contractors overcharge pilgrims

KOCHI: The annual Sabrimala pilgrimage reaps huge benefits for the Indian Railways. However, the Aiyappa devotees enroute Sabrimala, who stop at the Ernakulam stations, feel robbed by the Railways in providing basic facilities which includes enough rest rooms. For instance, while the standard rate for using a ‘pay and use’ toilet ranges from Rs 2-5, Ayyappans have complained being demanded up to Rs 10 for using the same service.The Ernakulam Junction station manager Chandran S said, “In the last week itself, Ayyappans filed many complaints against the situation. However, it is difficult to regulate it.” Chandran said that the Railways cannot impose a regulation on the contractors, especially during the peak pilgrimage season, as the action can prompt the service providers to withdraw services as well as the crew. Also, most of the Aiyappans, who filed a complaint, are not from Kerala.“Sometimes, the service providers take the double the amount for the bathrooms and toilets from the unsuspecting pilgrims,” said a source at the railway station.According to railway staff, the authorities are aware of the situation but are not putting in efforts to provide the needed amenities to the pilgrims, who are one of their biggest sources of income. “The two toilets on the second platform are left unused owing to insufficient water supply. During such peak seasons, the railway authorities can draw a water pipe to the bathroom and can manage it themselves. This will avoid pilgrims from being robbed,” another official said.