Early Times Report
Jammu, Oct 31: Prof. Saifuddin Soz, Senior Congress Leader sent a letter to Suresh Prabhu, Union Minister of Railways seeking provision of adequate infrastructure for Railways in Kashmir.
According to letter, Prof. Saifuddin Soz apprised him of the fact that Kashmiris had celebrated the opening of Rail Service as it is a quick, convenient, cheap and clean transport to them. It was particularly liked for saving the time of commuters. It was, therefore, that Kashmiris themselves also contributed to its successful operation. He also told the Minister that ticket-less travel was unknown to Kashmiris, and for the initial year or more time, there was no ticket-less travel in Kashmir.
But, he was dismayed to know that at the moment, the ticket-less travel is to the extent of 20%. The main reason for the ticket-less travel was that there is lack of supervision as very small number of supervisory staff and ticket checkers are available. Similarly, there was need for up-gradation of infrastructure. He also reminded the Minister that the survey and related matters regarding construction of rail from Anantnag to Kupwara via Pahalgam, Tral, Ganderbal and Bandipur, were receiving less attention. He further told him to complete the survey of extension of rail service from Baramulla to Uri. He also told him that the needed staff must be selected locally as that will be profitable for the Railways also. |
