Agnipath protests: Railway property worth nearly Rs 700 crore damaged, 718 arrested in Bihar
In the last four days, protesters have burnt coaches of 60 trains, along with 11 engines in Bihar. In these many days alone, the protestors have burnt property worth approximately Rs 700 crore. Apart from this, they have also burnt stalls at the railway stations and vandalised other property belonging to the railways.
Vandalism has been reported in over 15 districts in the state.
As per railway officials, it costs Rs 80 lakh to build one general coach, while a sleeper coach and an AC coach cost Rs 1.25 crore and Rs 3.5 crore per unit, respectively. To build one rail engine the government has to spend upwards of Rs 20 crore. The 12-coach passenger train costs over Rs 40 crore and the 24-coach train costs upwards of Rs 70 crore.
Virendra Kumar, Chief Public Relations Officer, East-Central Railway, told media that estimates of the damage to property are still being made, but approximately upwards of Rs 700 crore property has been damaged. He also said that five trains, 60 coaches and 11 engines have been burnt, railway is preparing a full report for the damage caused to property.
Apart from this, as per Railway over 60 crore passengers have cancelled their tickets. The disruption on tracks and cancelling of trains has resulted in a big financial blow to the Railway, although the department is not yet in a position to issue the official estimate.
Reports of vandalism are still coming from Bihar, the protesters are targeting trains and ambulances.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, 25 FIRs were registered in connection with the violence being caused and over 250 notorious elements were arrested in Bihar.
In three days, a total of 138 FIRs have been registered and 718 arrests have been made. Those engaging in violence are being nabbed through the use of CCTV and video footage
