Debate Over 'Garib Rath Express': Respect or Renaming in Railway Discourse
Despite no formal requests to rename the Garib Rath Express, concerns have emerged about the name's potential impact on passengers' dignity. Highlighting economic aspirations, especially in Amritsar, the Railway Ministry focuses on quality service, introducing new trains like Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and Namo Bharat with enhanced features.
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- India
The Railway Ministry has announced it has not received any official requests to rename the Garib Rath Express, as confirmed by Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in a Lok Sabha session. This came in response to Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla's remarks regarding the train name's impact on passenger dignity.
Aujla, representing Amritsar, inquired about public sentiment and appeals concerning the train's name, which some perceive as undermining passenger self-respect. He expressed concerns that 'Garib Rath,' once a mark of accessible AC travel, might now be patronizing to the burgeoning middle class.
Minister Vaishnaw emphasized the Railways' commitment to affordable, high-quality service. While no name change is planned, the Ministry has launched trains like Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and Namo Bharat to address modern travel needs and offer enhanced passenger amenities.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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