Traveling to Nagpur Railway Station at night can be quite scary due to the lack of staff and security. During late evening hours, railway personnel and security guards are noticeably absent, with minimal staff returning only after 11 PM. This gap between 8 PM and 11 PM raises safety concerns, especially on dimly lit platforms like numbers 6 and 7, where a recent tragic incident occurred.
Moreover, the absence of commercial clerk-cum-ticket collectors (CCTCs) at the exit gates worsens the situation. Passengers arriving on trains, such as the Kerala Super Fast Express, often find these staff members missing, leaving food vendors and travelers to occupy the CCTC chairs, creating a chaotic scene.
As the festival season brings more travelers to Nagpur Railway Station, the need for security is more critical than ever. Unfortunately, ticket checkers are often absent during busy hours, leaving areas like the overbridge unmonitored and putting passengers at risk. Despite repeated inquiries about the lack of staff and safety measures, railway officials have not provided clear answers. This situation highlights the urgent need for improved safety and oversight at the station, particularly during peak travel times.
Nagpur Railway Station also suffers from poor lighting at night, making platforms 4, 5, and 8 particularly dark. The path to the washroom on platform 8 is completely unlit, with only nearby reservation counters providing some light. The east side parking area lacks adequate lighting, forcing people to park outside and causing congestion at the entrance. This inadequate lighting makes the station uncomfortable and unsafe for passengers.
According to a local daily report, ticket checkers at platform 8 work in three shifts: 7 AM to 3 PM, 3 PM to 11 PM, and 11 PM to 7 AM. Women are typically assigned to day shifts, while men cover the night shift. However, some female staff living on the outskirts often leave by 8 PM or 9 PM.
Also, platforms 6, 7, and 8 are troubled by stray dogs, often seen near the ticket area and under seats, causing disturbances and frightening children. Autorickshaw drivers frequently block the east entrance of the station, parking right in front of the entry to platform 8. They also enter the platform area to ask passengers about their destinations and offer rides.