January 12, 2009	Monday	Muharram 14, 1430

KARACHI, Jan 11: Filthy water gushing out from choked sewers has spread over a large area in the Cantonment Railway Station’s parking lot, causing severe inconvenience to people while creating a stinking and unhygienic atmosphere.

People visiting the Cantt Station either to receive someone or to see off their loved ones were seen wading into the filthy water at different places in the parking area while struggling to approach platforms.

Moreover, an intercity bus terminal, which was once removed from the railway station area, has reappeared, causing immense trouble to motorists and travellers. The jumbo-sized upcountry-bound buses, which often remain haphazardly parked near the main gate of the station, have become a major source of traffic jams in the vicinity of the railway station.

These buses also obstruct the traffic proceeding towards the Sharea Faisal and Clifton areas, while passing by the station.

Nearby hotels have also encroached upon the road by the station by putting chairs and tables on the streets.

Some bus owners have also set up booking offices on the road and on footpaths, forcing people to walk on the busy streets, which often results in accidents.

People living in the nearby apartments have also complained that the setting up of the bus terminal at the entrance of the Cantt Station has not only become a nuisance for them and for others living in the vicinity, but is also a major source of hindrance in the flow of traffic.

They also complained that bus drivers were always honking their pressure horns at immense volume, creating huge noise pollution in the area.

While questioning the legal status of the bus terminal, a railways official, on the condition of anonymity, said that it was amazing that railways high-ups often make a hue and cry that the department was running in losses, but they rarely object to the existence of the bus terminal near the station, despite knowing that the presence of the terminal was badly affecting the railways’ revenue owing to its much lower fares as compared to trains.

—Staff Reporter