Andhra Pradesh

Railways’ ways

Indian Railways charge different fares for the same destination to and fro. The fare from Visakhapatnam to Vijayawada by Ratnachal Express was Rs.113. But while returning by the same train, one had to pay Rs.121. One cannot understand the logic behind this. And the distance on the ticket was mentioned as 351 km. on the onward journey and 356 km. for the return journey. It is said that when two lines are laid, sometimes one would go farther though converging on the same destination. But this is illogical and the fare between the two points should be the same and appropriate modifications of the software should be made.

Another problem is that so many trains have been made `superfast’ without reduction in the number of halts. This is nothing short of cheating the public and the Railway Minister who boasts that he is not increasing the fares, seem to take measures like extra charge for issuing return ticket, charging cancellation fee on all the tickets included in the paper ticket, etc.

G.M. Rama Rao,

Visakhapatnam

The alarming rate of increase in deaths due to accidents on roads point out the negligence of individual responsibility while driving vehicles on highways and accident-prone areas. Lack of proper knowledge of traffic signals and symbols on the side of roads, unlicensed drivingn and absence of speed controlling devices contribute to this. Surprisingly, many offences are bailable in nature and no deterrent action against the rash and negligent drivers is coming.

Non-seizure of driving licence, C book, insurance cover note, bill of loading, lack of proper checking at check posts are also reasons for the culprits getting let off the hook. Strict implementation of traffic rules can certainly control the accidents.

D. S. Patnaik,

Vizianagaram

The news regarding filing of a public interest litigation in the Supreme Court of India by an US-based doctor against strikes by doctors, is welcomed while viewing the hardship caused to the poor public. He is right in his concern over the predicament of the poor patients due to doctors’ strikes and the malpractices like supply of defective AIDS testing kits to government hospitals. But viewing from the other side, it is common knowledge that behind every strike by doctors, the cause for driving the doctors to such extremity is always the blatant and high-handed acts perpetrated against them by people with political support and also the direct interference of politicians in all matters of medical administration.

The hand of the politicians cannot also be ruled out in other malpractices like supply of defective kits.

In the light of this, imposition of ban on strikes by doctors will be nothing but denying their right of freedom of expression for just and legitimate cause.

Bh. Satyanarayana,

Visakhapatnam

Push-cart vendors and movement of autorickshaws helter-skelter is creating severe traffic hurdles during the peak hours in several parts of Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation, particularly in Gajuwaka zone.

I appeal to the authorities concerned to provide separate place for push-cart vendors and to regulate the autos’ movement on busy roads of GVMC to ensure safety for the people moving on the roads.

Kodali Rajeswara Rao,

Visakhapatnam

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