“Running a special train on a long-distance need comprehensive operational plan,’’ SCR clarifies after Congress protest in Secunderabad
The Freedom Press
Hyderabad, October 28: South Central Railway (SCR) on Wednesday clarified that its inability to operate a special train from Secunderabad to New Delhi at short notice was due to operational constraints and should not be viewed as unwillingness to cooperate with passengers.
The clarification came following a protest at Rail Nilayam in Secunderabad on October 28 over the non-sanctioning of a special train to New Delhi.
In its statement, SCR said operating a long-distance special train requires comprehensive planning, including the availability of a suitable train rake, locomotives, crew, maintenance facilities and other essential resources. Since the proposed service would pass through multiple railway zones, coordination and concurrence from all concerned zones, along with timetable approval, would also be necessary.
The railway authorities said adequate advance notice was essential to complete these formalities and ensure that regular passenger services and other train movements were not affected.
SCR stated that the request for the special train had been received at very short notice, leaving insufficient time to complete the required operational arrangements and inter-zonal coordination.
For group travel and special train requirements on a payment basis, organisers can approach IRCTC well in advance, subject to operational feasibility.
The railway also said it had planned festival special trains to meet the additional passenger rush during Diwali and Chhath Puja.
Reiterating its commitment to passenger-friendly services, SCR said it would extend all possible assistance, subject to operational feasibility and safety requirements.
