DMDK criticises Lalu for not fulfilling promise

Tiruchirapalli, Oct 31 (UNI) The Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) today criticised the Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad for not honouring his promise of a New Express daily train between Kumbakonam and Chennai Egmore via Tiruchirapalli made in the Railway Budget 2004-05.

Talking to newspersons here, DMDK's state Deputy General Secretary K P Krishnan alleged that instead of operating the new train, the railway administration had extended the existing Tiruchirapalli-Chennai Egmore Rockfort Express train to Kumbakonam.

This was causing considerable hardship to the passengers between Tiruchirapalli and Chennai Egmore.

He said Mr Lalu Prasad should order the immediate operation of a New Express train between Kumbakonam and Chennai Egmore via Tiruchirapalli, while inaugurating Southern Railway's new division at Salem in Tamil Nadu tomorrow.

The DMDMK leader urged the Chief Minister M Karunanidhi to impress upon Mr Prasad about the exigency of the situation and ensure its operation, while participating in the function at Salem.

Mr Krishnan alleged that some vested interests were attempting to extend the existing Chennai Egmore-Tiruchirapalli superfast express Pallavan to Karaikudi. However, any such decision would only affect the interest of the people in and around the city, he added.

Mr Krishnan said the recent rains caused severe damage to the tune of Rs 100 crore to farmers in the state.

He also urged Mr Karunanidhi to sanction a minimum Rs 25,000 per hectare as compensation to the rain affected farmers, besides other concessions.

UNI