Rohtak-Delhi track: Passenger train services resume after a year

Tribune News Service

Rohtak, April 5

Thousands of people who daily go to Delhi and surrounding areas in connection with their jobs and business purposes heaved a sigh of relief today, with the Railways authorities restoring the operation of eight passenger trains (four up and four down) on the Rohtak-Delhi track after a year.

Though the number of passengers was fewer on the first day, happiness could be seen on their faces. They followed Covid safety protocols by wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. The authorities too kept a close tab on the passengers to ensure strict compliance of standard operating procedures.

Former minister Manish Kumar Grover reached the railway station in the morning and welcomed the passengers. He also distributed sweets, masks and sanitisers among them, stating that precaution was the only way to defeat the Covid infection.

“Rail commuters had been facing a lot of inconvenience in reaching Delhi by bus which left us in Bahadurgarh town following the blockade by protesting farmers at the Tikri border. Then, we had to either the use metro trains or hire private cabs to enter Delhi. Now, we will be able to reach the destination comfortably as the rail track is open,” said Satbir Sharma, a daily commuter.

Jitender Bhardwaj, another passenger, said everyone had been waiting for the resumption of train services for a long time. “It will not only benefit the passengers but also prove useful in the revival of the business of vendors and nearby shops, which hugely depend on the rail services,” he added.