The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Hospitality in the time of bandh

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Sunday, Apr 01, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Hospitality in the time of bandh

R. Ilangovan

TIMELY HELP: Food packets being distributed to passengers of the Sabari Express, which halted at the Salem railway junction due to the bandh on Saturday. — Photo: K. N. Muralidharan

SALEM: A pleasant surprise awaited the 1300-odd passengers of the Hyderabad-Trivandrum Sabari Express, which was halted at the Salem railway junction on Saturday, in view of the bandh.

They got a taste of the overflowing hospitality of the Salem district administration. The bandh began as the train entered the junction. The passengers scurried for tea and drinking water. Shops and eateries at the station soon exhausted their merchandise.

Realising the passengers' plight, Collector N. Mathivanan ordered refreshments and ensured medical facilities for them.

District Revenue Officer (DRO) M. Rajarathinam coordinated the job in association with Station Manager S. Rajendran and Assistant Commissioner of Police A. Bhaskaran. The DRO met the passengers and assured them of all assistance.

Around 2,500 buttermilk sachets were distributed to help the passengers beat the soaring heat. Lunch packets, along with water, were provided. Tea and bread were served in the evening. And all these free.

A team of doctors from the government hospital camped on the platform. Two ambulances were kept ready. Water supply was ensured in all coaches.

A majority of the passengers left Salem fully satisfied. "We carry the pleasant memories of Salem to Kerala," said a 25-year-old software professional hailing from Trivandrum.

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