Congress leaders protest at Rail Nilayam over denial of special train to Delhi

Congress leaders and workers staged a protest outside Rail Nilayam in Secunderabad, alleging that the Railways failed to allot a special train for party members travelling to New Delhi for a protest on November 1.

Hyderabad: Congress leaders and workers staged a protest outside the General Manager’s office at Rail Nilayam in Secunderabad on Wednesday, alleging that the railways had failed to allot a special train for party members travelling to New Delhi for a protest scheduled on November 1.

Responding to the protest, South Central Railway (SCR) clarified that the request for a special train from Secunderabad to New Delhi had been received at very short notice, leaving insufficient time to complete the required operational formalities and coordinate with other railway zones.

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SCR said operating a special train on the long-distance route required arrangements for a suitable train rake, locomotives, crew, maintenance facilities and an approved timetable. As the service would pass through multiple railway zones, the concurrence of all concerned zones was also necessary to ensure that regular train services were not affected.

The railway authorities said organisers seeking special trains for group travel on a payment basis could approach IRCTC well in advance, subject to operational feasibility. It added that festival special trains had been planned to accommodate the additional rush during Diwali and Chhath Puja.