Mangalore, May 20: A long-pending demand of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) has become a reality with the introduction of a permanent exclusive reserved coach in long-route trains.
Of the seven long-route trains selected, three are in Southern Railway zone. Train No 16031 Andaman express from Chennai to Jammu Tawi, Train No 12687 Dehradun Express from Chennai to Dehradun and Train No 16687 Navyug Express from Mangalore to Jammu Tawi will have reserved coaches.
At a function held at Mangalore Central Railway premises on Monday, CISF South sector IG Dr K Jayanth Murali flagged off the Navyug Express with the newly introduced facility. In his inaugural speech, Jayanth Murali said that thanks to the joint efforts of Home and Railway Ministries the long-pending demand has been fulfilled. “From now, CAPF personnel and their families can stop worrying about the nightmare while travelling at a short notice. For this purpose, the CISF has paid Rs 1.56 crore to Railway advance for one year,” he said. The CISF IG added that depending upon the feedback; new system would be extended to more trains.
Thousands to benefit
A 3-tier AC coach in Navyug Express has been allotted for the purpose. In the 64-berth coach, the BSF and the CRPF personnel will get 24 each, while the remaining 16 will be reserved for the CISF. Over 800 CISF personnel are working at the NMPT, the MRPL, the Airport and Kudremukh. The reservation will be beneficial to thousands of people. Security at NMPT and MRPL will be strengthened in a phased manner.
Those from here working in para military forces can utilise the facilities while coming home. The personnel will have to carry the official movement order or leave certificate. Apart from travelling on leave, temporary duty and transfer, personnel and their families can reserve seats under their department tour scheme also.
CISF Deputy Commandant N L Meena, CISF, Mangalore Commandant Dr Anil Pandey, Southern Railway Senior Divisional Manager Shivshankar Murthy, Railway Area Officer P K Dasan, Mangalore Central Station Manager P K Shivadasan among others were present on the occasion.
