Passengers make a rush for refund

Ahmedabad, June 1 (UNI) Following cancellation of almost all Delhi-bound trains, except Ashram Express, a huge rush was witnessed at the railway station here to seek refund.

Though railway authorities have opened more refund counters, long queues were seen.

''The rush for refund is massive,'' an official said and added that the railways have taken ''extra precaution'' against agitators who have uprooted tracks and signalling systems at many places.

Railway officials said nearly Rs 8.5 lakh were refunded to around 6,000 passengers yesterday. On May 30, the Railways had refunded around Rs 2.5 lakh.

Concerned about passenger safety, the Railways has decided to cancel five Delhi-bound trains including Rajdhani and Sampark Kranti Express as they have to pass through most troubled areas of Rajasthan particularly Jaipur-Alwar sector and Sawai Madhopur and Bharatpur sectors.

Several passengers are left stranded at the station. The only train, which is leaving Ahmedabad for Delhi -- Ashram Express -- has to run almost 350 kms extra to reach Delhi.

Today's cancelled trains include 9105 DN Ahmedabad-Hardwar Delhi Mail leaving Ahmedabad at 0950 hrs, 2957 DN Ahmedabad-New Delhi Swarna Jayanti Rajdhani Express leaving at 1720 hrs, 2917 DN Ahmedabad-Nizamuddin Sampark Kranti Express leaving at 1720 hrs, 9265 Dn Okha Dahradun Express leaving Okha at 0555 hrs and 4312 Dn Bhuj-Bareilly Ala Hazrat Express leaving Bhuj at 1105 hrs.

Several tourists, who were on holiday trip to Mount Abu from Delhi or adjoining areas, are now stranded and have reached Ahmedabad.

School children from Delhi-based Universal Public School, who came to Mount Abu on holidays with their teachers, have reached Ahmedabad by taxies. The school children were helped by an NGO and were also provided food. The NGO has also arranged for air tickets to reach Delhi.

UNI