Even as the ECoR announced operation of Vzag-Cherlapalli-Vizag (08579/80) for two trips to clear the rush of passengers during the Ugadi festival, the South Central Railway (SCR) has issued a late night circular, asking the ECoR to cancel the special train.

The SCR gave the reasons as ‘severe shortage of crew’ due to which freight trains are badly hit and also due to NI works. It said the notified TOD (Trains on Demand) specials cannot be handled.

Meanwhile, rail activists took to social media criticising the SCR for its ‘adamant’ attitude. Rajasekhar Chv said: “Shame on railway ministry…140 crore ppl country does not have crew! They r not recruiting”.

Raghavamsi_2002 took to ‘X’ saying “Ugadi is a major festival, yet no special trains for Telugu people? Why is Visakhapatnam neglected?”

He also tweeted: Forcing passengers to rely on private buses is unfair! He also tagged the Railway Minister, Chief Minister and Visakhapatnam MP and sought “please take action & start S Co R operations!