KOZHIKODE: Railway passengers in Malabar have demanded a proactive step to ensure justice for them saying they have been persecuted by "a coterie" in Southern Railway by robbing off popular trains and denying facilities. Many trains were cancelled recently citing lack of employees. Moreover, the railway divisions in Kerala are gradually losing operational areas while those in the neighbouring states are getting increased.
The Confederation of All India Rail Users' Association general secretary A.V. Anoop said in no other nation train would be cancelled on such flimsy reasons like shortage of staff. "I feel ashamed. It is high time that chief minister convened a meeting of MPs from state exploring ways to ensure sufficient trains and other facilities for the people," he told DC.
"He should also convene an all-party meeting. Only pressure from the state would help restore the rights of passengers," added Biju Ninan of Nilambur-Nanjangud railway action council. "We are worried that the government has already toppled the Nilambur- Nanjangud project by refusing to release funds for a detailed project report."
