Title - Railway Minister Mukul Roy speaks to Chidambaram, Gogoi on train disruptions in Assam

Railways Minister Mukul Roy on Tuesday briefed Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram and Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on the difficulties being faced by the Railways in ensuring safe and smooth movement of trains to and from Assam in the wake of the clashes between Bodos and Muslims. He emphasized that the safety and security of the passengers is of uppermost concern and the movement of passenger carrying trains in the affected areas will be governed keeping in view this objective. He requested for providing security assistance in ensuring the smooth and safe movement of trains in the region. Roy informed that the Railways is trying its best to regulate the train movement in view of the disturbances but requested for providing adequate security specially in the 54 kilometer badly affected area between Srirampur ad Salakati Railway stations so that the trains held up in the region for more than 24 hours could be moved towards their respective destinations. Roy informed that the Railways is making efforts to position affected trains at bigger stations so that the stranded passengers could be provided with food, water and security. Shri Roy pointed out that Railways has geared up its machinery to provide best possible care to the stranded passengers in the given circumstances. As of 5 p.m., 26 trains had been cancelled. In addition, 37 trains have been regulated at various stations on the route resulting in trains running behind schedule. Zonal Railways, especially the North East Frontier Railway and Eastern Railway are issuing regular press bulletins informing public about cancellation and regulation of trains in the affected area.