NT impact: Escalator operational; citizens question need of inauguration

Walking on the red carpet at Plat form 1 of the Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna Railway Station in Majestic, the Minister of State for Railways, V. Somanna, inaugurated the escalator on Saturday. News Trail had previously reported on the stalled escalator, for which work, including preliminary checks and inspections, had been completed three months ago but was awaiting an inauguration. Passengers, particularly senior citizens, had been inconvenienced by the delay. Saturday’s inauguration was carried out in a supposed grand manner, with the minister unveiling a granite plaque crediting the ministers and bureaucrats responsible for the project.

Although passengers can now use the escalator, the practice of inaugurating basic infrastructure in public spaces has faced severe criticism. “Why wait for ministers and other VIPs to inaugurate basic facilities?” asked one netizen. Another user on X remarked, “In the near future, politicians might start inaugurating single streetlights!” Later in the day, Somanna inaugurated another escalator, this time at Platform 2 of Kengeri Railway Station.

The event followed a similar pattern of walkways and fanfare, with the inauguration delayed to accommodate the presence of Shobha Karandlaje, the Minister of State for Small and Medium Industries and Bengaluru North Member of Parliament.