Pune: Controversy Surrounds Aastha Special Train, Allegations of BJP Monopolizing Ticket Bookings
Sumit Singh and Tikam Shekhawat
Pune, 3rd February 2024: The launch of the Aastha special train, operating from Pune to Salarpur and back, has stirred controversy as all available tickets appear to have been reserved by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The special train is scheduled for a total of 8 trips, with 4 journeys from Pune to Salarpur and an equal number from Salarpur back to Pune. The inaugural trip from Pune is set for February 6, followed by subsequent journeys on February 8, 10, and 13. Return trips from Salarpur are scheduled for February 9, 11, 13, and 16.
Notably, citizens have reported difficulties in booking tickets as the entire allocation seems to have been secured by the BJP, raising concerns about fair access for the general public.
In a last-minute revision, the departure time for the train has been rescheduled to 19:25 instead of the initially planned 19:05. However, senior railway officials have maintained a veil of secrecy surrounding the Aastha special train, creating confusion and frustration among potential passengers.
Amid accusations and finger-pointing, both Central Railway officials and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) are deflecting responsibility. Railway officials claim that IRCTC is handling the bookings, while IRCTC insists that the information is managed by the Railway Board.
Security measures for the Aastha train have been heightened, with officials emphasizing the need for punctuality and safety. However, the lack of transparency in sharing crucial details has led to a blame game between railway and IRCTC authorities.
When approached for comments, the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Central Railway expressed ignorance about the Aastha train, deferring responsibility to IRCTC for booking management.
Contrarily, senior IRCTC officials claimed to have no knowledge of the bookings and train details, raising questions about the coordination between the railway and IRCTC. They clarified that catering services, ticketing systems, and bedding arrangements fall under IRCTC’s purview.
Meanwhile, BJP sources confirmed the party’s involvement in booking tickets according to constituencies, further deepening the controversy surrounding the Aastha special train.
The ongoing dispute raises concerns about transparency, public access, and coordination within the railway system.
