Agitation ends after MP promises new trains to Mumbai

Following the assurance given by Junagadh MP Jasu Barad,the agitation over the demand for a direct train to Mumbai was called off on Friday.

Following the assurance given by Junagadh MP Jasu Barad,the agitation over the demand for a direct train to Mumbai was called off on Friday. According to Barad,railway authorities have hinted that two new trains are in the pipeline. A delegation headed by Barad will meet Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav on February 11.

For the last one month,Junagadh-based activist Shashikant Dave,along with hundreds of supporters,has been agitating over the demand for a direct train to Mumbai. “MP Barad met the railway authorities and we are satisfied with his assurance. We have thus decided to discontinue our agitation,” Dave said.

He added,”It was necessary to give them (Railways) time to complete the technical process. We have been told that the region will get two new trains and it will be announced during the next Rail Budget for the year 2009-10.” Barad said that he had a meeting with the railway top brass,including the general manager (Western Railway) and all had positive things to say.

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“No administrative process is possible until the proposal for the said demand is accommodated in the budget process,” Barad said,adding,”At this stage,before the budget,no demand can be met.”

Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav has agreed to meet the delegation from Junagadh on 11th February. “All agitators including Shashikant Dave can come with us for the scheduled meeting,” Barad said.

“It will be wise to wait for the budget. This is not a political issue,it is our genuine demand,” Barad added.

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