How the railway will respond on Punjab's claim of clearance of tracks?
Chandigarh, November 6, 2020: Although Punjab government has announced that the rail track network all across the State of Punjab is presently totally clear for uninterrupted movement of goods trains but the question is how the railway will respond on Punjab's claim of clearance of tracks?
The Kissan Unions have started clearing the railway tracks and platforms for running of goods trains, which were suspended after two days’ operation only on blocking at certain places. Keeping in view the statement of the Chairman and CEO of Railway Board that "Railways can start train operations in Punjab only if track & stations are clear for running of all trains including freight and passenger trains, " it looks not so easy to solve the train row.
Railways sources, on Friday late evening, said even after the announcement of Punjab government about the clearing of tracks for goods trains ,t so far no decision had been taken with regard to running of freight trains and passengers trains, however Railway staff will keep checking the clearance of tracks and monitor the safety measures by running the pilot trains.
Sources further said the whole reservation plan has also been disturbed and the refunds of tickets have to be made on cancellation of trains from time to time. It would be convenient for the public as well as the railways if both passengers and goods trains are started simultaneously as the railway has already suffered a huge loss due to Covid pandemic and farmers agitation over the Farm Bills.
Earlier, the railway has categorically stated that it cannot operate the trains on the farmers’ terms for allowing only goods train. On this the railways has taken the stand and stopped the inward movement of goods trains in Punjab on the plea that both passengers and goods trains will run simultaneously.
No doubt the official spokesperson of Home Department has stated that after stabilizing the goods train movement across Punjab for a few days, it would be possible to start the passenger train operations also as the Committee of Ministers continues to be engaged with the various Kisan Unions to permit passenger movement in larger public interest. Now the ball is in railway court to take a final decision to hit.
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