Kolkata: Dismissing West Bengal Chief
Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee`s criticism of Duronto
Express, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee today said the
importance and success of the train cannot be diminished.
"Duronto Express has been a successful train and it
cannot be belittled by any criticism or ridicule," Banerjee
said while flagging off four EMU trains at Majherhat station
in southern suburbs.
She, however, said dedicated tracks were necessary for
smooth running of high speed trains.
"Train operation is not a matter of joke. Daily, 1.50
crore people travel by trains. Considering the importance of
the Indian Railways, there should be no hue and cry over petty
things," Banerjee said while referring to suspension of three
employees by her ministry in connection with the decoupling of
Duronto Express a few days ago.
"We take steps within the system for dereliction of
duty as negligence of duty is a criminal offence," she said
adding corrective measures had been taken for food served on
the trains.
Without naming CPI(M), she criticised political
movement to stall train movement, and said it was to be kept
in mind that West Bengal did not get a single train in the
last 10 years.
PTI
