India, May 28 -- In a shocking display of negligence, newly-bought passenger benches are gathering dust, lying dumped near the main entrance even as commuters are forced to sit on staircases and floors of crowded platforms.

Nearly 30 to 40 brand-new benches are lying dumped near the main entrance, still waiting to be unwrapped, instead of being installed on the platforms for the benefit of passengers. The lack of proper seating arrangements has become especially problematic, given the continuous heavy rain lashing the city over the last few days. With many of the older benches removed from platform number 1 owing to rainwater leaking through the station roof and no alternative seating made available, passengers, including senior citizens...