Mangalore: The eleventh passenger reservation system (PRS) service counter of Palakkad division of Southern Railway is shut down now. The centre was inaugurated by MP Nalin Kumar Kateel in the premises of Deputy Commissioner’s office in July.

There were complaints of heavy rush in the two existing centers which is at Mangalore Central railway station and another at MCC commercial complex in Lalbagh. Therefore, Mr. Kateel sanctioned Rs 5 lakhs from the MP LAD fund in July, to facilitate better service for the passengers. After its inauguration, the centre received good feedback from the people as well.

However, the centre remains shut down since a week due to lack of manpower. The district administration employed one person on temporary basis and it was then handed over to the railway department.

Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim had said the PRS counter is manned by state government employees for the time being. Very soon, the counter would be handed over to organizations that work for visually or physically challenged. However, it is not done.

Centre received good response

There is always a long queue at the centre which is in Mangalore central railway station for reservation of tickets. Another centre which is located at Lalbagh is only open till noon and is packed with passengers waiting to book tickets. Therefore, another centre was a must. Understanding the need of the passengers, a centre was opened in the premises of DC’s office.

The passenger rush was so much that the centre received average revenue of Rs 20,000 each day. Neeranjan, a local said that many people come here to book tickets but go back without being aware of the fact that it is shut down. It was really helping the passengers, he said.

Dhananjay of Southern Railway said that according to the agreement, it was decided that the district administration should provide a place and the staff. If the administration provides any one, we will train and direct them. And, we have told this to the Deputy Commissioner, he said.