Pune – The upcoming launch of the Aastha special train, designed to operate between Pune and Salarpur, has become embroiled in controversy as allegations surface regarding the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) monopolizing ticket bookings.
Scheduled for a total of eight trips, the Aastha special train is set to make four journeys from Pune to Salarpur and an equal number from Salarpur back to Pune. The inaugural trip is slated for February 6, followed by subsequent journeys on February 8, 10, and 13, with return trips from Salarpur scheduled for February 9, 11, 13, and 16.
The controversy arises as citizens report difficulties in securing tickets, with concerns raised about the entire allocation being reserved by the BJP, potentially limiting fair access for the general public.
In a last-minute development, the departure time for the Aastha train has been rescheduled to 19:25 from the initially planned 19:05. However, a veil of secrecy shrouds the Aastha special train, leading to confusion and frustration among potential passengers.
Accusations and finger-pointing have ensued, with Central Railway officials and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) deflecting responsibility. Railway officials claim IRCTC manages bookings, while IRCTC insists that the Railway Board oversees information management.
Security measures for the Aastha train have been heightened, emphasizing punctuality and safety. Yet, a lack of transparency in sharing crucial details has resulted in a blame game between railway and IRCTC authorities.
When approached for comments, the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Central Railway expressed ignorance about the Aastha train, deferring responsibility to IRCTC for booking management.
Contrarily, senior IRCTC officials claimed to have no knowledge of bookings and train details, raising questions about the coordination between the railway and IRCTC. They clarified that catering services, ticketing systems, and bedding arrangements fall under IRCTC’s purview.
Meanwhile, BJP sources confirmed the party’s involvement in booking tickets according to constituencies, adding another layer to the controversy surrounding the Aastha special train.
The ongoing dispute raises significant concerns about transparency, public access, and coordination within the railway system.
