The statement by Chairman of Malabar train Action committee regarding the deferment of Chennai Mail to Super fast Train till completion of track doubling is highly condemnable. Because it is a crystal clear fact that once the track doubling is completed there will be drastic reduction in journey time of all trains as the trains will not be held up for crossings at smaller stations.
But the Railway department is cashing in on this change by including the 6601/6602 Chennai Mail in Super fast category; as this train has the highest No:of passengers on the Mangalore – Palghat sector. The result is that all passengers will have to pay Rs.15 as super fast surcharge in addition irrespective of distance. Those who travel in higher classes and long distance will not bother about this reformation as only a small percentage will be expended. But this will drain out the pockets of short distance unreserved passengers including Season Ticket holders.
As the Train have more passengers in unreserved category, the additional income generated will be unthinkable and this is the target of the railways. But train action committee represented by the people from chamber of commerce and likewise want to preserve their interests only; but pretend to be the protectors of all category of passengers. Hence the media should interfere lest the train passengers of Malabar will be duped. It may be remembered that a united protest earlier from the people of Ernakulam area had refrained the railways from converting Alleppey Chennai Express into SF category.
