RS Members want more trains to Tirupati

New Delhi, Aug 17: Rajya Sabha Members from Andhra Pradesh today demanded more trains on the Hyderabad-Visakhapatnam-Tirupati section, saying the route leading to one of the most important pilgrim centres of the country had only one train.

The issue was raised through a supplementary during the Question Hour by members cutting across partyline.

They said the introduction of new trains on the section was a long standing demand and it was unfortunate that the Railway Ministry had so far neglected it.

Some Members also demanded more trains between Bangalore and Sholapur.

Replying to the Question about Andhra Pradesh, Minister of State for Railways R Velu said the number of coaches would be increased when the situation demanded.

This irritated the Members and they said the Minister should not dismiss their query like that and not talk about coaches when asked about new trains.

Mr Velu said their demands would be considered when the next meeting of the Time Table committee took place.

Earlier, replying to a question put up by Members from Uttar Pradesh, he said it was not possible to stop more trains at Alamnangar Railway station, a few miles from the Lucknow main station. He, however, said the Ministry palnned to open second and third terminals to decongest main railway stations of the country.

UNI