Date:11/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/11/stories/2008011158270400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

SCR chief faces protest

Staff Reporter

Slumdwellers stop H.K. Padhee’s special train seeking railway underbridge

Collective bargaining: Residents of Tatiguda and Mahalakshmiwada slums staging rail roko obstructing the SCR General Manager’s special train.

ADILABAD: South Central Railway (SCR) General Manager H.K. Padhee on Thursday assured angry protesters from Tatiguda, Mahalaxmiwada and other slum areas neighbouring Adilabad railway station of examining the scope for construction of a railway underbridge (RUB) connecting Adilabad town and the localities. People had gathered in large numbers and staged a rail roko denying passage to the General Manager’s special train for about 30 minutes.

Mr. Padhee was accompanied by top officials from SCR headquarters and from Nanded division as he came for a routine inspection. Even before he got into the train, the slogan shouting protesters approached him with the demand for constructing either a railway overbridge or an RUB at a place near the railway station. The General Manager said an overbridge was not possible unless local contribution came forth. So far as the RUB was concerned, officials from SCR will examine the possibility.

Nanded Division Railway Manager Gajbhiye was also present.