Press Statement
The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), now in session at New Delhi, has issued the following statement:
Comprehensively Review the Reorganisation of Railways
The decision of the ministry of railways to bifurcate the Eastern Railways and the creation of a new railway zone called the East Central Railway has been taken without proper consultation and consideration. This should not be seen as a Bihar v/s Bengal issue. This decision adversely affects the administrative and functional efficiency of the railways.
This decision is part of an overall plan to create seven new railway zones increasing the total to 16, by dividing the existing zones. Serious questions have been raised on the viability, efficiency and the necessity for such largescale bifurcation of the existing railway zones. The efficacy of the railways as a national integrated network would get adversely effected. Further, this issue may lead to parochial feelings being aroused all across the country.
Under these circumstances, the Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) demands that a comprehensive review of this decision be undertaken and any future decision be taken only after a broad and thorough consultation. This process may be initiated by the inter-state council. Until such discussion and a consequent decision are taken, no unilateral and adhoc proposals must be implemented.