A railway station is a place where trains stop in order to load and unload freight and passengers. The design of a station should be aesthetically pleasing to the eye, while providing a comfortable environment for passengers to board and exit trains. There are many design features to consider when planning the design of a railway station.
Unhygienic conditions
The unhygienic conditions at the railway station have become a cause of concern for frequent travellers as they fear an outbreak of disease. This is especially the case in the platform area where the cleanliness is poor. In fact, there are no dustbins in the platform area and many travelers do not use them, making it an unhygienic area. Also, the drinking water in the railway station is not hygienic.
Congestion
There are several ways to control congestion at a railway station. One of them is to organize the timetable and use different vehicle loops for different kinds of transfers. Other methods include marshaling modes and optimizing the organization of the station.
Interchange with local transportation
A railway station can offer a range of additional services to commuters. Whether a person is taking the train to the city or changing from one mode to another, they will need to navigate a complex environment to reach their next service. An interchange can help improve the overall quality of this process by providing services and facilities that help travellers avoid delays and ensure that they arrive on time.
Platform layout
The platforms in a railway station vary in terms of design. Most are built at the same level as the track, but in some cases there is a significant height difference between the platform and the train floor. Another common design is the platform being elevated above the track. In this case, passengers can walk from platform to platform without the use of stairs.
Accessibility
Railway stations should be designed to be accessible to people with disabilities. Inaccessible stations can make travelling by train very difficult, particularly for people with mobility problems. Fortunately, accessibility has become much better in recent years. Network Rail has recently introduced a new Inclusive Design Strategy to make train stations more accessible to people with disabilities, as well as to people with buggies or luggage. This has led to a transformation in attitudes towards rail accessibility.
Design
Design of railway station is a process of arranging platforms and associated buildings to allow efficient passenger flow. It is a major creation of the industrial revolution, which has changed the way people and goods are transported across the world. It has also brought with it a new type of architecture. A good design of railway station should create a homogeneous structure, which will allow a smooth and safe flow of passengers and goods.
