Minister warns agitating commuters of legal action

Chennai, Aug 2 (UNI) Minister of State for Railways R Velu today warned the commuters of suburban trains in Chennai Central-Arakonam section, who frequently resorted to ''railroko''agitations, demanding restoration of old time table, that legal action would be taken against them.

Addressing a press conference here, after inspecting a yard where two trains derailed recently near the Central Railway Station, the Minister said passengers should approach the General Manager or Assistant General Manager or the Divisional Railway Manager for redressal of their grievances.

Resorting to blocking trains affected a large number of commuters. However, passengers have the right to raise demands, he said.

''The Railways are there to serve them. At the same time passengers must also cooperate with the change of timings to run more train services,'' he added Justifying the introduction of the new time table, Mr Velu said two additional services were being operated in the Chennai Central-Tiruvallur section providing 24 services during morning peak hours. Of the 24 services, timings of only four services were changed from five to ten minutes, while services in the Chennai Beach-Arakkonam section had been reduced to six from nine due to poor patronage.

Replying a query, he said the Salem Railway Division, would be inaugurated on September 14 as scheduled by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.

Stating that a second terminal at Salt Quarters near Elephant Gate would be set up at a cost of Rs 300 crore, the minister said the project estimate would be sent to the Railway Ministry for approval. Once this project becomes operational, the present congestion in and around the Central Railway station would be over, he added.

UNI