Full transcript:
Kolkata Metro Railway has a number of problems. They relate to infrastructure, safety as well as delay. Incidents bear out the current state of affairs.
On February 12, 2012 passengers had to be evacuated as smoke blew out of the bottom of a metro coach. A similar incident occurred on August 30, 2012.
In 2014 similar incidents again occurred. June 23, 2014, 600 passengers were stuck in a dark metro tunnel for one hour. Again on July 31, 2014 smoke was detected in a rake.
These similar incidents have clearly jeopardised lives of people. Other infrastructure related problems are also happening frequently. For example, on September 26, 2014 metro was hit by auto-signaling failure. These infrastructure and safety related problems have also disrupted the schedule of people. Schedules went haywire.
Due to lack of proper maintenance, even minor issues have turned into major problems. Even when the fares have been increased in November, 2013 up to a substantial amount of maximum of 78%, the increased earnings have not translated into better functions.
Railways must immediately take up the problem faced by the Kolkata Metro and find a permanent solution. Efficiency of services and safety has been hallmark of the Metro Railway so far. The Government must ensure serious deficiencies are ironed out quickly, in a time bound manner.
Thank You.