The reconstructed Thudiyalur railway station has come as a big relief to people in the vicinity, though a few more initiatives need to be taken up to reduce their travel woes.

For people of Periyanayakanplayam and Thudiyalur suburban rail travel has become more comfortable. The reconstructed station was opened by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on July 3. A temporary halt was also introduced.

According to commuters, those in the vicinity of the station have easy access to Mettuppalayam-bound trains, saving time and money when compared to bus travel.

But commuters point out that those waiting for trains have no seating facilities. Besides, drinking water services have also not been readied. Also, Mettuppalayam-bound trains stop only during evenings and no other train stops at the station, they point out.

With very few trains having halts at Thudiyalur, drunkards and anti-social elements are found moving around at the station. “The station at night time has a scary look and women wanting to go to the other side of the station will find it difficult as drunkards and gamblers have made the station their den,” said a source.

The lack of facilities at the station has been taken up with the local bodies and railway authorities, it added.