8 trains cancelled to ensure coal-laden trains' smooth passage to power stations in UP

LUCKNOW: In a bid to help the state maintain power supply in the scorching heat, the railway board has cancelled eight express trains in Uttar Pradesh till further notice in order to provide hassle free passage to coal laden freight trains for thermal power stations.
The move came after consulting the Uttar Pradesh government, which has recorded a steep surge in power demand amid rising mercury.
Express trains which have been cancelled are -- Bareilly-Prayagraj Sangam Express (14308), Prayagraj Sangam-Bareilly Express (14307), Lucknow-Meerut Express (22453), Meerut -Lucknow Express (22454), Bareilly-Roza Express (04380), Roza-Bareilly Express (04379), Kathgodam-Moradabad Express (05331) and Moradabad-Kathgodam Express (05332).
According to northern railway officials, “We are already giving special preference to coal laden freight trains or those empty rakes which are heading to fetch coal for thermal power plants. In fact, the freight operations in certain sections are running at 100 kmph—the average speed is above 56 kmph.”
On Wednesday, in an official statement released from state power minister Arvind Kumar Sharma's office said: “Demand for electricity has increased due to scorching heat. All engineers of discoms are instructed to expedite the maintenance and tune the power infrastructure in order to cater to demands of the general masses.”
“Before the power system is derailed, all the officers should do their duty honestly by contributing their part in the improvement of the situation,” the statement reads.
Sharma emphasized to recover the pending power dues from the defaulters so that sufficient funds are available to maintain the power supply to everyone.