Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam   

Garib rath likely from October 16

VISAKHAPATNAM: The way is finally cleared for the ‘aam aadmi’ and ‘garib’ to enjoy train journey with air- conditioned comforts, hitherto a privilege of the rich. The much-awaited garib rath, a bonanza of Railway Minister Laloo Prasad, to the people of Andhra Pradesh, specially to the commuters between Visakhapatnam and Secunderabad, is all set to hit the track on or after October 16.

According to D. Kamilla, Divisional Railway Manager, Visakhapatnam, all clearances, including the one from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), SER, have been received for the garib rath, scheduled to run between Secunderabad and Visakhapatnam.

He told The Hindu here on Sunday that a final decision on the exact date of garib rath’s maiden journey would be decided by the authorities of the South Central Railway which would be responsible for the primary maintenance of the fully air-conditioned train. The secondary maintenance would be the responsibility of the Visakhapatnam Railway Division, he said.

The modified rack with eight AC three-tier coaches and two power cars is ready at the Secunderabad railway yard long ago. But it hit a number of road blocks, basically because of the lack of coordination between the SCR and the SER. It may be mentioned that the distance between Secunderabad and Visakhapatnam is about 700 km of which 680 forms part of the SCR and the remaining 20 km. (between Visakhapatnam and Duvvada) is under the control of the SER. Clearances from both the CRSs is essential for running the train.

The CRS of SCR has given clearance but, for reasons not known, the same from the SER has not been forth coming.

The public demand for introduction of the new train, announced in the Budget session, was mounting and the SCR had decided to run the train between Secunderabad and Anakapalle for which there was clearance from the CRS.

There was big a hue and cry and commuters in the three districts viz., Srikakulam,Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam, specially commuters in the city, for all practical purposes, would not be in a position to take advantage of the garib rath, because it is very difficult for people to go to Anakapalle to book tickets and travel or get down at Anakapalle and travel to their final destination in a different mode of transport..

However, all clearances have been obtained now.

What is so special about garib rath? It is fully air conditioned with eight three-tier AC coaches and two power cars.

It does not have 15 compartments as reported in a section of press, railway authorities have clarified.

It is a modified train and each coach would have 78 berths as against 64 in other trains.

The tariff is also less when compared to other trains. The cost of the ticket for the journey between Secunderabad and Visakhapatnam would be Rs.500 plus some thing as against Rs.775 for travel in three tier AC in other trains. The journey time would also be less by an hour in the garib rath.

The train would run alternate days. According to railway authorities here, train No.2739 will leave Secunderabad by 8.15 p.m. on every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday and reach Visakhapatnam by 7.30 a.m. the next day. Similarly the gari rath would leave Visakhapatnam by 8.40 p.m. on every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday and reach Secundrabad by 08.10 a.m. the next day.

According to authorities here, the exact date of launching the train would be informed to DRM office here at least five days in advance.

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