Title - Direct train to Goa flagged off

Chandigarh:
Former railway minister Pawan Kumar Bansal flagged off the extended Madgaon Express from the Chandigarh railway station, at 1.30 am today. The Madgaon-Chandigarh train is among the first trains that were announced in the last Railway Budget.The train that was already running from Nizamuddin (Delhi) to Madgaon, has been extended up to Chandigarh. The train will run twice a week and will take around 38 hours to reach Madgaon from Chandigarh.On the first day of its journey, a total of 30 passengers opted for the reserved compartments and around 40 families preferred to travel in the general category. “This train is a gift for city residents and an effort to connect Chandigarh with other major cities. The train will run twice a week,” said Bansal.“We are excited as we are among the first batch of passengers travelling by this train,” said Ajay Singh, a city resident. “This is out maiden trip to Goa,” said Mayank and Abhinav, youngsters from the city. “We are looking forward to a comfortable journey,” said Shagun and Khush.The fare of the train is divided into four categories, including 1st AC (Rs 4,585), 2nd AC (Rs 2,650), 3rd AC (Rs 1,800) and sleeper class (Rs 695).

Washrooms not clean

Though the train was all decked-up at the flagging-off ceremony from outside, washrooms and windows of the general class and the 3-tier sleeper class compartments were not clean. Railway employees said as the train was not new, the compartments were not spick and span. “This is not a new train. But we have done our best to clean the compartments,” said an employee.

Streetlights non-functional

Streetlights on the road leading to the Chandigarh railway station (Dadua- railway station road) were not functioning on Sunday night. “The authorities should upgrade the existing infrastructure.” said Alok Ram, a villager.