Andhra Pradesh

Garib Rath doesn’t sound well

With a view to providing special comforts to the poor and the common man in trains, the Railways has introduced a fully air-conditioned express train between Secunderabad and Visakhapatnam.

It is christened as Garib Rath and the fare has been fixed at Rs. 499.

It is certainly laudable. But, christening of the train as Garib Rath does not sound well.

When the Central and State governments are making hectic efforts for poverty alleviation, it is not appropriate to name the train Garib Rath. The authorities concerned should take necessary steps in this regard.

I. Subhash Samuel

Ulavapadu, Prakasam district

A number of factors are responsible for price rise.

But one main cause is hoarding by selfish traders.

The State government has miserably failed to crack down on hoarders.

The State government should not forget that price rise adversely affects the middle classes, the lower-income groups and the poor equally.

It should take effective measures to keep price rise under check.

Essential commodities should be supplied through fair price shops.

The law should be implemented strictly against those indulging in black market.

L. Vijayasri

Khammam

The newly-introduced side middle berth in trains is causing discomfort to passengers. With the addition of one more side berth, the existing little space has become more cramped, and all three passengers on these side berths are compelled to lie down all the time during the journey as they cannot sit straight even to drink water or take meal.

Unless the passenger in the middle berth lifts his/her berth, none of the three on the side berths can sit comfortably. The Railways has not made a proper study before introducing such a measure. It should remove the additional side berth in view of safety and comfort of passengers.

S. Ramaseshaiah

Sattenapalli

Film star Chiranjeevi’s entry into politics has opened a new chapter in Andhra Pradesh. Megastar’s Praja Rajyam has to grow beyond the personality cult if it were to bring a meaningful socio-political change in the State. Chiranjeevi is definitely following the footsteps of his film star-turned-politician predecessors by showering money to reinforce his popularity. But he should remember that only those who looked beyond popular image alone succeeded in politics.

J. Harika

Palakole

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