In view of the on-going agitation of the farmers and blocking even blocking certain goods and passengers trains on the tracks, the ban on inward operation initially for two days by the railways have been extended for another four days
Divisional Rail Manager, Rajesh Aggarwal said, as we all know, the movement of trains have been stopped due to on-going agitation by the farmers against the Farm Bills from September 24. On October 21, farmer outfits took a decision to allow the movement of goods trains barring passenger trains and the railways accordingly arrangement the movement of goods trains accordingly.
At the same time, we have to understand that railways is a very complex technically intensive organisation and to maintain its safety and schedule before running of tracks is very important like the private vehicles on roads. It was important to send these trains for inspection and maintenance.
Citing an example, DRM said, one passenger train rake was stopped at Romana Alberapur and despite strenuous efforts; the same was not allowed to move and has to be brought back to the starting point. If the trains remained parked, how they can be maintained and all these things are part of planning.
Moreover, the protesters have to understand that as to how the railway operation has to be carried out on the railway network. We cannot do the planning and movement of trains in a restricted way. The movements are planned on the basis of indents from all over the India, rake availability, maintenance and keeping in view the safety measures and cannot be done on micro manage or in the restricted environment, added DRM.
DRM said, keeping all these factors in view, the Railways have decided to put inward restriction for two days 24 and 25 Oct but it has been extended for another four days.
On asking about coping with the shortage of coal at thermal plant, he said, the main issues are as to whether we have to carry out operation or not. Our systems are too old and in the event of any uncertainty over the agitation, in such a situation, the operation is not possible as crew, power, staff issues are involved and schedule is disturbed.
