Rail traffic in several parts of Andhra Pradesh, especially in and around Hyderabad, Nalagonda, Nizamabad, Warangal and Khamam districts, were disrupted following rail blockades organised by pro-Telangana groups on Tuesday seeking a separate statehood for Telangana.
Several important trains were stopped from entering Hyderabad and Secunderabad stations, heaping difficulties on thousands of passengers who had to seek alternative modes of transportation to reach their destinations. Raising ‘Jai Telangana' slogans, the demonstrators squatted on railway tracks, blocking the rail movements.
Trains cancelled
The South Central Railways had to cancel at least five trains today, including Secunderabad to Visakhapatnam Garib Rath Express, Secunderabad to Bhubaneshwar Visakha Express and Hyderabad-Chennai Charminar Express.
At least six trains were re-scheduled today, including Hyderabad-Chennai Express, Secunderabad-Howrah Falaknuma Express, Hyderabad-Visakhapatnam Godavari Express and Secunderabad to Bikaner Express.
Several other trains were also terminated, especially in the morning, such as Chennai to Hyderabad Charminar Express (at Jangaon), Visakhapatnam to Hyderabad Godavari Express (at Moula Ali) and Tirupati to Secunderabad Narayanadri (at Ramannapet).
CM's appeal
Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, today appealed to all political parties and Employees Joint Action Committee in Telangana to call off their ongoing agitations and wait for the Centre's decision on the issue.
“In Telangana alone 20 lakh students are appearing for different examinations. Keep their future in mind and do not cause hindrance to examinations,” he said in an informal chat with press persons in his chamber in the Assembly.
Referring to the ‘million march' call given by the TRS for March 10, Mr Reddy reminded the agitators that “the loss of even one mark (for students in exams) can change the fortunes of thousands of students.
He admitted that non-cooperation movement by employees in the region had impacted the daily functioning of government offices.