Rajya Sabha member John Brittas on Tuesday requested the Union Railway Ministry to make vital changes within the timings of Vande Bharat Express working within the southern state in order that they would not have an effect on the reliability and punctuality of different trains plying in Kerala. In a letter written to the Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, he additionally sought extra unreserved coaches for trains working in northern Kerala.
“While the introduction of Vande Bharat trains in Kerala is undoubtedly a commendable initiative, we cannot overlook the unintended consequences that it has on the punctuality and reliability of other train services,” Brittas stated in his letter.
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The CPI(M) MP stated there are frequent unscheduled halts of trains at varied factors within the state. “…It appears that these unscheduled halts are being made to accommodate the speed and punctuality of Vande Bharat trains, often at the expense of other train services,” he stated.
Brittas identified that such “indefinite halts” have an effect on the livelihoods and each day routines of the passengers who rely on regular trains for his or her commute to the office or instructional establishments and again dwelling.
Calling the eye of the union minister on scarcity of unreserved coaches, the Rajya Sabha member from Kerala stated the “trains running through Northern Kerala are perennially overcrowded, leading to uncomfortable, unsafe, and unsanitary travel conditions”.
“Passengers are sometimes pressured to journey in cramped areas, standing for lengthy hours. Cases of passengers fainting as a consequence of lack of correct air flow and the stifling situations are more and more widespread, posing a big security concern as nicely.
“The scarcity of unreserved coaches disproportionately affects passengers who cannot afford reserved seats, creating disparities in accessibility and affordability,” Brittas stated.
He sought the pressing intervention of the union minister to allocate extra unreserved coaches and regulate the schedule of the Vande Bharat trains in order that it would not have an effect on the punctuality of different trains.
Source: zeenews.india.com
