Times of India: Nagpur: Saturday,
August 03, 2013.
An RTI query
has revealed that the Amravati-Nagpur passenger train has not arrived in city
on time even for a single day in the last 108 years. The average delay in its
arrival has been about one and a half hours. The RTI application was filed by
members of Aam Admi Party in June (AAP). With elections looming nearer, many
parties have now started taking keen interest in matters of railways.
"There
is no connectivity within Vidarbha. We had asked many questions under RTI Act
regarding the need for new trains and the division's efforts to meet it. The
replies showed that nothing has been done to cater to the requirements of
people," said Devendra Wankhede of AAP.
The replies
also revealed that the Nagpur-Bhusaval passenger was also late almost half the
time. It was late on 55 days out of 108. "Anyway, the train takes 15 hours
for a journey that should take about 7-8 hours and even then gets delayed
causing more inconvenience to people," Wankhede said.
He added that
when they questioned the railway officials why local trains were not being run
within Vidarbha, they said the congestion between Nagpur and Wardha did not
allow for new trains to be introduced. "Some officials informed us that
the problem was due to the absence of computerized signalling system,"
Wankhede said.
Denying this,
DRM Brijesh Dixit said the region's signalling system was electronic and there
was no problem with it. "Introducing trains is not in our power, nor is
making suggestions. That has to be done by other agencies," he said.
"The
people of Vidarbha have to suffer owing to lack of connectivity within the
region. Daily commuters are the worst hit as they have to travel through the
express trains that already full. If leaders of Vidarbha press for these
demands , I am sure something can be done. Before making the stations world
class, passenger's needs and convenience should be taken care of," said
Wankhede. Dixit said railways had penetrated the region best and was
continuously taking measures to respond to passenger demands.
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