The daily loss incurred by the Railway Department due to the cancellation of trains and non issuance of train tickets as a result of failure to report to duty by Railway workers due to the lack of fuel amounts to Rs.8 million,” General Manager Railways Dhammika Jayasundara said.
The daily income of the Railway Department is usually Rs.15 to 16 million out of which Rs.3 million is earned from tickets.
The GM said 30 0ffice trains out of 45 trains plied despite many shortcomings.
He said that steps were taken to provide fuel for Railway employees and Railway guards engaged in trade union action now were demanding 150 liters of petrol per person. However, railway drivers did not take part in the strike.
Army had to be called in several stations in Panadura, Colpetty, Maradana, Colombo Fort and Ragama due to the tense situation created by commuters protesting against the delay and cancellation of trains. Station Masters in these stations had withdrawn from issuing tickets due to this reason. However, he said the situation will be back to normal by today. Meanwhile,commuters, especially office workers, underwent difficulties yesterday due to the cancellation of trains.
courtesy dailynews.lk
