By Hubballi was once very proud of its beautiful railway parks. A few years ago, many gardens were built on the railway premises to give people a nice place to rest. However, today these parks are in very bad condition. There are more than 15 parks in the city that were developed six to seven years ago, but they are now drying up because no one is taking care of them. Even though the South Western Railway headquarters is right here in Hubballi, the green spaces are turning brown and dusty.
One of the most famous places was Ahimsa Park. It is located near the main arch of the Hubballi railway station. Many years ago, this park was a favorite spot for passengers. People who arrived at the station early would sit there and enjoy the fresh air. Now, the main gate is locked. Even though the gate is locked, there are broken walls and other gaps where people enter illegally. Instead of happy families, the park is now full of trash like empty liquor bottles. The benches are broken, and the beautiful fountain has no water. It is a sad sight for everyone who remembers how pretty it used to be.
Another park that is suffering is Sur Sangam Vatika. This park was made in 2021 near the subway. It was a very special place because it had statues of famous classical musicians. It was meant to show the rich culture of the region. But today, the sign for the park is hidden behind a new sign that says “Taxi Stand.” The grass in the garden looks burnt because it has not been watered for a long time. People still sit under the old trees for shade, but the overall beauty of the park is gone. The walls have collapsed in some places, making it look like a ruined area rather than a public garden.
Local people and travelers are very worried about this situation. They say that these parks have become unsafe, especially for women and children. Since there is no security, bad elements use the dark corners of the parks for illegal activities. Regular passengers used to take photographs and relax in these gardens, but now they are afraid to go inside. The Indian Travellers Association has pointed out that without proper maintenance and security, these public spaces are being wasted.
In the past, things were very different. Former railway officials say that some leaders used to take personal interest in these gardens. They would visit the parks early in the morning to make sure everything was clean and green. When the leaders cared, the staff also stayed alert. But now, it seems like no one is responsible for the upkeep. Even the parks built inside the railway colonies for the employees are being ignored.
The people of Hubballi want the railway department to take action soon. These parks are important for the environment and for the comfort of the passengers. If the railway starts watering the plants, fixing the broken benches, and providing security, these gardens can become beautiful again. It is a shame to let such nice spaces go to waste. Everyone hopes that the “Garden City” feel of the railway premises will return soon so that Hubballi can be proud of its parks once more.
Railway parks in Hubballi, once popular green spaces, are now neglected and in poor condition due to lack of maintenance. Parks like Ahimsa Park and Sur Sangam Vatika have dried vegetation, broken infrastructure, and safety concerns. Locals are urging railway authorities to restore these areas, highlighting the need for better upkeep, security, and passenger-friendly amenities.
