RailEnquiry

The sportspersons playing for Central Railway (CR) can heave a sigh of relief. Following DNA’s report on April 5, headlined ‘All work and no play for harassed CR sportsmen’, it has been learnt that the issue has been taken up to the higher authorities.

A Central Railway official informed this newspaper that the general manager (GM) has appointed a special officer to handle sports-related issues. “Several issues, including sanctioning 140 leave letters will be looked into,” the official said. It has also been learnt that the GM spoke to the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) about the matter and demanded that the sportspersons be looked after well. Following this, he appointed the special official.

“The Central Railway is also doing its bit to better the facilities for its sportspersons. We recently inaugurated a ground at Parel and will organise several competitions there,” the official added. However, some officials, who hold positions like motormen or railway guards, will have to continue doing their regular duty.

“We will sort out their holiday issues for them. They will get sanctioned leave when they have to go and play the sport,” the official said.

Notably, the issue had been raised when more than 140 letters had to be sanctioned to allow players to take part in various competitions for CR, but that did not happen.

Players include cueist Aditya Agrawal, runner Lalita Babbar and a few international kho-kho players. A relieved Agrawal said he was happy that this decision was taken. “I am so glad the CR is looking into this cause. It will benefit all the players,” he said.