RAIPUR: The railways has suspended 22 more trains, which begins journey from the state and passes through surrounding areas, following a petition seeking resumption of 10 passenger trains that were cancelled recently. The tragedy took place in the Congress-ruled state of Chhattisgarh.

Earlier this month, the railways had temporarily suspended 10 passenger trains, stranding passengers. Chief Minister Bhupesh Bagel has expressed displeasure over the incident.

The trains were suspended on the eve of Navaratri celebrations, causing several problems for the passengers during the festival, alleged Congress leaders. Now, 22 more have been cancelled. The Railways’ move will increase the misery of the commuters, added the leaders.

On the direction of the chief minister, then additional chief secretary (ACS) Subrat Sahoo had met with the chairman and chief executive officer of the Railway Board on April 5 seeking resumption of the trains. However, the board did not heed to his demands. Instead, they cancelled another 22 passenger trains including around a dozen long-distance mails and express. Six of these originate from the state of Chhattisgarh.

“Such decisions are absolutely anti-people”, said Chief Minister Baghel. ‘’We got the order from the Railway Board. Another twenty-two passenger trains have been cancelled from April 24 for a month. No reason specified by the Board”, Saket Ranjan, chief public relations officer of the South-Eastern Central Railway (SECR) zone. This is a political ploy by the central government to take revenge, alleged Congress leaders.