India

Rlys suffered Rs 56-cr loss in protests, says Suresh Prabhu

PNS

In the lok Sabha, Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu said Railways suffered a loss of Rs 55.92 crore due to damage to property, cancellation of 2,314 trains and tickets were cancelled during the Jat agitation.

Replying to questions, the Minister said during the period of active agitation from February 12-24, a total of 2,134 trains (1,033 Mail/Express and 1,101 passenger) were fully cancelled and 259 Mail/ Express trains were diverted. In addition to this, 430 trains (229 Mail/ Express and 201 passenger) were partially cancelled. Prabhu said policing on Railways was a state subject and crime prevention, registration of cases, their investigation in Railway premises as well as on running trains are the statutory responsibility of the State Police which they discharge through Government Railway Police of the State concerned.  There was no negligence on the part of Railway Protection Force, he said, adding there is no mechanism in Railways for recovery of damage from those who indulged in riots, arson and looting or damage to public property.