Title - MST travellers allege ill treatment by railay staff

NAGPUR: The monthly season ticket (MST) pass holders, who regularly travel between Nagpur and Gondia, are protesting step-motherly treatment meted out to them by the ticket checking staff of the South East Central Railway (SECR).The Nagpur-Bilaspur Intercity Express, which leaves city at 6.30am, is the most convenient and preferable train by MST holders. Seven years ago, when the pass holders agitated, SECR had allotted S6 and S7 coaches to them."But, passengers holding current tickets also occupy these two coaches making it a general compartment. The railway staff is itself allowing current ticket holders to enter these coaches and recovers excess fare on the pretext that S6 and S7 coaches are meant for MST holders only," said Shyam Raghute, a regular traveller to Gondia."Several times current ticket holders misbehave with MST holders, particularly women. These coaches are already crowded on all working days due to MST holders. Rush of current ticket holders overcrowd these coaches forcing passengers to hang on doors, making travelling dangerous," complained Manish Bhadang, a MST pass holder from Gondia.

If pass holders enter coaches other than S6 & S7, then the TTE treats them as passengers without ticket and charges fine. Interestingly, the receipt given to the passengers is towards luggage.

"Behaviour of TTEs pass holders is very rude and pathetic. At the same time there is no action against beggars and unauthorized vendors," Bhadang pointed out.

"Similar is the story in Vidarbha Express. As there is no room in general coaches, MST holders have to travel unwillingly in sleeper class coaches. We should not be looked upon as criminals," said Bhadang.

The MST pass holders demanded a fast local between Ajni and Gondia at 7.30 to 8.30am and return train between Gondia and Nagpur at 6pm. The train can be extended till Dongargarh where thousands of pilgrims are regular visitors. The Central Railway should think of revamping Amravati Intercity Express, demanded Bhadang.