New Delhi: Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Rajya Sabha on Thursday that Indian Railways suffered a loss of Rs 259.44 crores due to damage and destruction of its assets by protesters during the nationwide agitations against the Centre’s newly launched Agnipath scheme for military recruitment.
In a written reply in the Upper House, Vaishnaw also pointed out that 2,000 trains were affected due to the Agnipath protests across the country.
“2,132 trains were cancelled between June 15 and June 23,” the minister said, adding that a total refund of approximately Rs 102.96 crore was granted on account of the cancellation of trains.
In his response, the senior leader pointed out that separate data regarding the amount of refund granted to passengers due to disruption of rail service is not maintained.
“However, during the period 14.06.2022 to 30.06.2022, a total refund of approximately Rs 102.96 crore was granted on account of cancellation of trains and a loss of Rs 259.44 crore due to damage/destruction of railway assets in agitations against Agnipath scheme was incurred. All the affected train services cancelled on account of Agnipath scheme have been restored,” he said.
