New compartments on train draw angry protests
Regular passengers on the Samudradevi office train from Galle, most of whom are government servants, staged a protest yesterday, urging authorities to replace the new compartments of the train with the old compartments. They pointed out that while using the new compartments they were facing severe hardships for want of seating accommodation and basic facilities including lavatories. They said none of the facilities available in the old compartments are available in the new compartments.
They launched the protest by sitting on the floor of the train travelling from Galle to Maradana. A regular traveller from Ambalangoda, Janith Wickremethillake said “I have been traveling to Colombo daily on the Samudradevi train for more than a year. The old compartment had more seating capacity than the new ones. The congestion in the train has worsened because of the reduction in the number of compartments.
Commuters from distant areas as well as women are facing inconvenience for want of toilet facilities. Under International Railway Regulations, lavatory facilities should be provided in trains that cover distances of more than 50 km. The Railway Department has been violating these international regulations. The present compartments of the Samudradevi express train are meant for short distances. We want them replaced with the old compartments, which have all the facilities. The minister without studying the facts in our memorandum, is accusing us of resorting to sabotage”
The protesters warned that their protests would continue if their demands are not met.
By Yasas P.Mendis
source: Daily Mirror
