Jolt for Malda residents

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Dec. 22: If the residents of Malda were happy yesterday with the decision of the railway authorities to let the Gour Express train continue to run on its old route ~ Malda to Sealdah ~ they became upset today after the Malda divisional railway manager, Mr Anup Sahu, hinted that the Janasatabdi Express that runs between Malda and Howrah would be withdrawn from 27 December.“We have not received any official instruction so far. However, chances are that the Janasatabdi Express would be withdrawn from 27 December,” Mr Sahu, said, much to the chagrin of the locals and the political parties.Railway officials apprehend a vigorous movement by the locals and political parties here if the train is withdrawn. The English Bazaar MLA, Mr KN Chowdhury, had threatened yesterday that they will launch a vigorous movemenet if the railway authorities try to withdraw the services of the Jansatabdi Express from Malda. Today, several Congress leaders expressed concern over the apparent decision of the railway authorities to withdraw the Janasatabdi Express.Congress leader and chief of the English Bazaar Municipality, Mr Narendranath Tiwari, said: “We would launch an agitation if the Janashatabdi Express is withdrawn.” Mr Tiwari said they will also urge the railway authorities to provide adequate security to the passengers of Gour Express and other trains that originate from Malda.“There is a big hole in the maintenance of the Gour Express once it leaves the Malda station. The train is being checked in Sealdah only, 48 hours after its departure from Malda. This is a sheer violation of the railway norms,” Mr Tiwari, said.He added that to avoid derailments, at least the wheels of the trains should be checked at all the major stations.The Malda DRM, Mr Anup Sahu, said: “Only Sealdah division is responsible for the maintenance of the Gour Express according to the specification and on the basis of distances covered by a train.”He refuted Mr Tiwari’s allegation that railway norms are being violated.“The question of violation of railway norms does not arise at all,” the DRM, Mr Sahu, said.