dated October 6, 1951: Improving the GT, and Running More Trains

From the Editorials: ``The Grand Trunk Express is one of the most important Indian trains. It may lack the glamour of a great name as the Frontier Mail, which runs no longer in India. But the daily GT covers a distance of 1,350 miles between Delhi and Madras, the longest distance by any regularly scheduled train in our country. The GT is a direct means of communication between Southern and Upper India. It is good that the authorities have made a beginning with the introduction of air- conditioned carriages in the GT. AC accommodation is already available in important trains connecting Bombay, Delhi, Calcutta, and Allahabad... The future of first class rail travel in India can be assured by introducing air-conditioning. Otherwise, the facilities offered by air travel, especially at night, would attract most first class travellers away from trains. People would even now prefer trains for long journeys, if dust-and- perspiration-free express travel can be made available. Indian express trains cannot perhaps reach the speed and comfort standards of America and British trains owing to our climatic conditions and the lack of long stretches of double track. But the Railway Minister seems to be aware of the need for air- conditioning, and quick progress in this regard may be expected. The Ministry has shown its concern for improving third-class travel too. The introduction of Janata Expresses is a boon. It is a pity the Ministry hesitates to introduce one between Delhi and Madras. Recently, such a train was introduced between Bombay and Delhi - in addition to the several fast trains between those centres. That the GT Express is painfully over-crowded is a notorious fact. That centres like Nagpur are agitating for a Janata Express between Delhi and Madras is also evident. Rail Minister Mr. Santanam too has admitted there is a demand for it in South India. For how long, then, are the three railway administrations, who are responsible for running the Grand Trunk, to hesitate about introducing this very necessary Janata Express? Quick action is called for.''

Chitral Prince Flees to Afghanistan

Afghanistan's Ambassador to India, Dr. Najibullah Khan, confirmed in New Delhi on the 4th that the Heir-Apparent of Chitral, a remote tribal State of Pakistan, had fled and taken refuge in Afghanistan. The Mehtar (Ruler) of Chitral was himself said to be under house arrest in Peshawar.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Miscellaneous
Previous : Easiest way to approach God
Next     : Weather