Rail traffic disrupted as commuters squat on tracks

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, JUNE 14. Rail traffic was disrupted at Ambattur for about two hours from 9 this morning as 200 commuters squatted on the tracks protesting the late arrival of trains.

Normality was restored at the intervention of senior police and rail officials who persuaded the protesters to give up the stir.

According to eye witnesses, the problem was triggered by the late arrival of a suburban train. It precipitated when a group of passengers barged into a railway official's room and did not get a satisfactory explanation.

Some of the commuters went around gathering support to protest the delay of trains. Soon, passengers started shouting that the delay in the running of trains had now become regular and they faced problems at office. Women commuters were heard screaming that they were forced to take half-a-day permission because of late arrival for work.

Suddenly, a group moved to the tracks and squatted, demanding an explanation from the railway officials on the issue. They also wanted the railway authorities to give an assurance that train services would not be delayed.

As there was hardly any police presence at the station, the situation went out of control.

The Chengai Range DIG, Mr. K. Rajendran, the Chengai East SP, Mr. Pon Manickavel, and railway officials who reached the spot held talks with the protesting group.

Railway authorities said steps were being taken to ensure that trains were not delayed.

It may be recalled that a protest by a group of commuters some time ago on the late running of trains turned violent at Tambaram railway station and two compartments were set ablaze by miscreants. Even on that occasion, railway authorities had ensured that efforts were made to avoid late running of trains.

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Section  : Southern States
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