Date:29/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/29/stories/2007062955521500.htm

National

Railways estimates loss at Rs. 100 crore

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Twenty incidents took place in States affected by naxal violence during the two-day economic blockade called by Maoist cadres in protest against the economic policies of the Government.

Ten incidents pertained to damage to railway property, mainly in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and West Bengal, according to an assessment by the Union Home Ministry on Thursday. Senior officials were relieved that there was no loss of life during the blockade that ended on Wednesday midnight.

Though the Railways would make a detailed assessment of the losses incurred by it during the blockade, estimates suggested that it could be about Rs.100 crore.

The other incidents related to obstruction of the movement of goods on highways passing through the States, Ministry sources said.