The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Visakhapatnam News : Train diversion likely to continue

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Thursday, Jun 23, 2011
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

Train diversion likely to continue

B. Madhu Gopal

Pleas made by people's representatives not having the required effect

The diversion of some through trains via Duvvada began three years ago
The amenities at Duvvada Station are far from adequate

VISAKHAPATNAM: The restoration of express trains being diverted via Duvvada, on their original route via Visakhapatnam Railway Station, is unlikely to materialise in the near future notwithstanding the letters and representations by people's representatives from the region to the powers that be in the Railways.

The people's representatives seem to be content with sending representations and issuing copies to the media but do not seem to show the same zeal when it comes to pursuing problems to their logical end.

The diversion of some through trains via Duvvada started three years ago when route relay interlocking works and construction of new platforms were taken up at Visakhapatnam Railway Station. Contrary to their promises, the Railway authorities failed to restore the diverted trains even after completion of the development works. In all, seven pairs of Express trains are being diverted via Duvvada much to the inconvenience of passengers from the city.

They have to travel around 25 km after alighting or to board through trains at Duvvada Railway Station. In the absence of local trains, and only a few RTC services from Duvvada, the passengers have to pay through their nose to autorickshaw and taxi drivers.

It takes more than an hour to traverse the distance through the high-density traffic, especially during peak hours.

The contention of the Railway authorities that the diversion via Duvvada was being done to save running time of the trains doesn't hold much water. Further, the amenities at Duvvada Station are far from adequate to meet the needs of thousands of passengers from the city.

Thanks to the indifference of our political representatives, two more pairs of proposed Express trains will be diverted via Duvvada to add to the woes of passengers.

The new Railway Time Table will be issued in July but no announcement on restoration of diverted trains on their original route.

“We haven't received any communication from the Railway Board so far regarding re-routing of the diverted trains,” Divisional Railway Manager N. Kashinath told The Hindu when his attention was drawn to the representations being sent by people's representatives.

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