Mysuru: With India preparing to celebrate its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, concerns have been raised over the condition of the National Flag hoisted on a high-mast pole at Mysuru City Railway Station. Portions of the large Tricolour are reportedly damaged, prompting a demand for immediate action from railway authorities.
Chiranth Scindia, a Mysuru native from Nazarbad who works in Bengaluru, has urged the authorities concerned to replace the damaged flag and introduce regular inspection and maintenance of the flag and its mast.
Damaged flag spotted at prominent location
The National Flag is displayed on a 100-foot-high mast on the premises of Mysuru City Railway Station. Given the location and size of the installation, the Tricolour is visible to thousands of passengers and visitors who arrive at or pass through the railway station.
Scindia said the sight of a damaged National Flag at such a prominent public location was deeply concerning, particularly just ahead of Independence Day.
He said railway stations are among the most frequently accessed public spaces and that Mysuru City Railway Junction, being an important station in the South Western Railway network, should maintain high standards of civic responsibility and respect for national symbols.
The condition of the flag has therefore become a matter of public concern as preparations are underway for Independence Day celebrations.
Similar complaint raised earlier
Scindia pointed out that this is not the first time concerns have been raised over the condition of the flag at Mysuru City Railway Station.
He had posted a similar complaint on his X account on May 14, 2025, tagging the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Mysuru as well as Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and other authorities. The matter was subsequently highlighted in a report.
According to Scindia, the flag was replaced after the earlier complaint.
However, he said the recurrence of the problem raises questions about whether regular inspections are being carried out and whether adequate maintenance arrangements are in place.
He argued that replacing the flag only after members of the public raise concerns is not sufficient and that a systematic monitoring mechanism should be established.
100-foot mast installed in 2019
Scindia said the high-mast flag installation at Mysuru Junction was erected in 2019 with considerable public attention ahead of Independence Day.
The mast, which stands around 100 feet tall, was designed to fly a National Flag measuring 20 feet by 30 feet.
He noted that Mysuru Junction was among 75 locations across India where similar high-mast National Flag installations were established.
The size of the flag and the height of the mast make the installation particularly visible. Passengers entering or leaving the railway station can see the Tricolour from a considerable distance.
Scindia said the flag therefore forms part of the first visual impression many visitors receive when arriving in Mysuru.
Heritage city’s image at stake
Mysuru is internationally known for its heritage, architecture, cultural traditions and tourism. The city attracts visitors from across India and abroad throughout the year.
Scindia said a damaged National Flag at a prominent location such as the railway station could create a poor impression among visitors.
He also stressed that the issue goes beyond the appearance of the railway station or the city’s image.
According to him, the National Flag represents the country’s sovereignty and the sacrifices made by generations of people who worked to protect India’s integrity.
He said the Tricolour should not be treated merely as a piece of fabric used during ceremonial occasions but as a national symbol that deserves constant respect.
Calls for regular inspection
Scindia has urged railway authorities to immediately inspect the flag and replace it if it is found to be damaged.
He has also called for a regular inspection and maintenance mechanism covering both the flag and the high-mast structure.
Such a system, he said, would help authorities identify damage caused by weather conditions and other factors before it becomes visible to the public.
The large size of the flag means it is exposed to wind and other weather conditions, making periodic checks particularly important.
A regular maintenance schedule could also ensure that damaged or worn-out flags are replaced promptly without waiting for complaints from passengers or residents.
National Flag requires proper respect
The issue also comes ahead of Independence Day, when National Flags are prominently displayed across public institutions, government offices, schools and other locations.
The Flag Code of India lays down rules governing the display and handling of the National Flag. Proper care is expected to be taken to ensure that the Tricolour is displayed with dignity.
Scindia’s complaint has therefore brought renewed attention to the responsibility of public authorities to maintain national symbols appropriately.
He said railway stations should set an example in ensuring that the National Flag displayed on their premises remains in proper condition.
Public vigilance highlights recurring issue
The latest complaint also highlights the role played by citizens in drawing attention to maintenance issues in public spaces.
Scindia’s earlier complaint reportedly resulted in the flag being replaced, but the recurrence of damage has prompted him to call for a more permanent solution.
He said respect for the National Flag should be ensured through continuous vigilance rather than only after a member of the public points out a problem.
As Independence Day approaches, attention is now on whether the railway authorities will inspect the flag and take necessary corrective measures.
Replacing the damaged Tricolour and establishing regular checks would address the immediate concern while also helping prevent similar incidents in the future.
