RJD books special trains, platforms for Lalu’s rally

As Patna gears up for RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Chetawani Rally, to be held on Sunday, harried East Central Railway officials are losing their night’s sleep...

As Patna gears up for RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Chetawani Rally, to be held on Sunday, harried East Central Railway (ECR) officials are losing their night’s sleep over the 35 trains that have been booked for the Railway Minister’s political fair.

ECR has reserved platform numbers 1,2 and 3 at the Patna Junction for two days for the arrival and departure of special trains ferrying the minister’s supporters to the rally. All other trains will operate from platforms 4, 5, 6 and 7.

“From 6.30 pm on October 27 to 5 am on October 29, all regular trains will operate from platform numbers 4, 5, 6 and 7. Platform numbers 1, 2 and 3 will be used only for the special trains,” said chief PRO, ECR, A C Chandra.

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Though the Bihar Police have deputed over 800 jawans for the rally, the Railway Ministry has roped in over 500 RPF personnel from other divisions to manage the crowd on the platforms.

According to sources, on October 27, 28 and 29, all officials of the ECR zone will manage the special trains, and even officers from other zones have been called to attend the rally. “Since past 4-5 days, ECR officials are not sleeping more than four hours a day,” said an officer. They are spending most of their time preparing for the rally, he added.

The area outside the railway station would be controlled by RJD workers. Passengers would not be allowed to bring their vehicles inside the premises of the station.

Meanwhile, the ECR released a press note denying allegations that the Railways was being misused for the political rally. It said the Railways had received an advance payment for the 35 special trains, which have been booked at a rate of Rs 10,000 for each bogie. “Any group or party can make payments and book special trains,” the note stated.

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By Friday evening, slogans of “Lalu-Rabri zindabad” had started playing over loud speakers. The city has been decorated with banners, hoardings and arch gates for the Chetawani Rally.

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