Angered travellers fumed after they were forced to carry umbrellas and wade through water while waiting for their train, wondering how a modern high-speed rail station could not afford a basic rainproof ceiling.
The station, located in the heart of the city of Shaoxing, in eastern China’s Zhejiang Province, has reportedly dealt with unwanted water leaks repeatedly.
Passengers had complained to its directors over and over again, but the problem has still not been solved.
During one recent storm, dozens of people had to endure getting soaked as each one waited for their train to arrive while rainwater kept leaking from above.
Phone footage filmed by disgruntled passengers shows dozens of commuters having to walk across the flooded floor while trying to buy tickets.
Some had even taken out their umbrellas to shield themselves from the leaking.
In some areas, water seems to be pouring down from the ceiling as if it were raining inside the waiting hall itself.
The leaks also affected some small business owners who had shops inside the station as their power was automatically cut out by safety systems, leaving them unable to do any work.
A passenger named Ms Gao told local media that she had to board her train without even having her ticket checked to avoid getting drenched.
Afterwards, staff claimed the sudden heavy rainfall caused water to accumulate on the station’s roof and overfilled the gutters, causing water to leak into the waiting area.
But travellers were apparently displeased with the explanation as leaks seem to be a recurring issue, making them question if the structure has a design flaw or lack of quality work.
Just two months prior, Shaoxing North Railway Station had reportedly experienced a leak in the corridors, and passengers had to run with their suitcases on their backs.
Many criticised the station for not having a basic rainproof function despite operating some of the world’s most sophisticated trains.
