New Delhi: The recently opened Ayodhya Dham railway station stirred controversy due to a viral video showing its poor upkeep. It prompted the Railways to impose a hefty fine on the station's sanitation contractor. A social media user shared three clips depicting the condition of the newly inaugurated railway station. The videos show littered floors and overflowing trash cans.
The first video from the Ayodhya Dham railway station showed people sleeping outside the premises, amidst scattered garbage and overflowing trash cans. Additionally, the person behind the camera highlighted the absence of street cleaning efforts in the vicinity.
The second video showed garbage strewn at different places inside the station premises. It also showed paan stains on the floors.
In the third footage, the user showcased litter scattered on the ground. He also showed the second phase of construction at the railway station.
Following the widespread circulation of the video, the Northern Railway Lucknow Division swiftly responded by announcing a fine of Rs 50,000 on the sanitation contractor responsible for the upkeep of Ayodhya Dham station. "Today, a fine of INR 50,000 has been imposed on the sanitation contractor at Ayodhya Dham station for reported irregularities. Additionally, here are some images of the clean station taken at 18:00 hrs," DRM Lucknow posted on X along with a video and pictures of the clean railway station.
The images shared by DRM Lucknow showed the station being cleaned up. DRM Lucknow's post garnered several reactions from social media users who slammed travellers and also applauded the Indian Railway for taking immediate action.
A user wrote, "Upkeep contractors have failed so also visitors. We lack civic sense."
"The problem of garbage, spitting, open urination, and the presence of plastic bottles is prevalent at every religious site across India. Regular inspections by responsible officers could effectively curb these issues. Educate the public through media campaigns and outreach", posted another.