No Ganpati Special trains yet because of Maharashtra govt: Central Railway

Rail train Konkan
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Mumbai, August 13, 2020: The Central Railway today said that they are waiting for the go-ahead from Maharashtra State government for running Ganpati Special trains.

“In view of the Coronavirus diseases (COVID19) pandemic and the extraordinary situation prevailing as a consequence, Central Railway vide letter dated 23/07/20 asked the State Government on their views about running Ganapati Special Trains (special long-distance mail/express trains to Konkan Region within Maharashtra), the number and date from which to run these special trains. Director, Disaster Management Unit, Maharashtra vide their letter dated 7.8.2020 informed that special trains may be scheduled to the Konkan Region for the Ganpati Festival in response to Central Railway’s letter. Accordingly, Central Railway immediately scheduled the special trains and sent for Railway Board’s approval”, Central Railway stated in a press release.

“Railway Board had instantly approved the running of special trains subject to following the Standard Operations Procedure (SOP) of Ministry of Home Affairs and Inter-District travel norms of the State Government of Maharashtra in the wake of COVID pandemic. Railways is ready to run the specials subject to all the norms including social distancing, etc., However, Senior officials of State Government of Maharashtra informed on the telephone on 8th August at night to keep on hold the schedule of running of special trains as the matter is under reconsideration of Maharashtra Government and said that they would advise the outcome. Since then Railway administration both at Board level and zonal level are in continuous touch with Maharashtra Government officials and have been awaiting to go ahead”, the release stated.

“Central Railway wishes to inform the passengers that it is ready to run the specials, however, the final go-ahead is yet to be confirmed by the State Government of Maharashtra”, the release concluded.