Indian Railways News => Topic started by RailXpert on Apr 03, 2013 - 12:00:03 PM


Title - Double-decker train launch under EC scanner
Posted by : RailXpert on Apr 03, 2013 - 12:00:03 PM

Will code of conduct turn spoilsport for the launch of Linke Holfmann Busch (LHB), double-decker train between Bangalore and Chennai?
The Election Commission is examining whether to give its nod for the launch of services of this new train. South Western railways has already sent a letter to EC seeking clearance to operate the train from its jurisdiction, Bangalore.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Anil Kumar Jha confirmed the letter from the Southern Railways was under examination.
Meanwhile, the Southern Railways which owns the train, is waiting for the final approval from the Railway Board to operate the double-decker, after completing its trial run.
The train is the first of its kind in South India, having 11 compartments, and seating capacity of 120 persons per coach. The trial runs were conducted in February.
Regular operations of the train were expected to be started by March 31. However, it now appears that commuters wou ld have to wait another few weeks to board the train, if either the Railway Board of the EC delay giving their clearance.
Chief public relations officer of Southern Railways V J Accamma said, "Schedule of the train was also made known to public. After the trial run we have sent the report to the Railway Board to take a final call on commissioning of regular operations. We have no idea about when the Board will give its assent. Once the we get the clearance we will operate the train on regular basis."
She added that several problems faced by the train during the trial run have been rectified by the department. "At Katpadi railway station passengers had difficulty to alight from the train. Platform there has been altered so that passengers get down from the train without much difficulty. South western railways too rectified technicalities in its jurisdiction," she elaborated.
When asked about whether window glasses of the coaches which were damaged due to stone pelti ng during the run were replaced, "It was because of friction and there were no reports of stone pelting on window glasses reported."
Another higher of official of South Western railway said, "At two points coaches were touching the platforms. We have already cleared the technicalities for smooth operations of double-decker train."