SWR throws open railway stations for rain-hit people

In an humanitarian gesture, the South Western Railways has throw open its railway stations to flood-hit displaced people besides engaging in rescue and relief operations.

With rivers in Karnataka in spate, people have stormed into the stations to take shelter, leaving behind all their belongings.

Deputy general manager and chief Railway public relation officer E Vijaya told PTI that as many as 1,500 people have camped in Belagavi station.

Besides Belagavi, people have camped in Chikkodi, Gokak, Bagalkote, Gadag and Hole Alur railway stations, the officer said.

"We are carrying out relief work on a large-scale, not only for passengers but also general public. We have opened our doors for everyone coming to us for shelter," Vijaya said.

SWR Bharat Scouts and Guides state secretary Shuja Mahamood appealed to his cadres to donate items including clothes, edible food and cooking utensils.

Huge quantity of relief materials have been coming from Sholapur in Maharashtra, according to officials.

The SWR's civil defence team of the SWR too is geared up to meet the challenge.

"More than 20 civil defence members were engaged in the rescue and relief operations," Vijaya said.

Senior members of the scouts and guides were cooking food for the flood affected people.

At Hole Alur, the situation was grim as the Mallapura dam is reportedly overflowing and the taluk inundated.

The Railways was working in coordination with the civic administration, Vijaya added.