Suresh Prabhu withdraws Rs 4 crore water train bill

Indian Railways has withdrawn the Rs 4-crore bill sent to drought-hit Latur district in Maharashtra, for transportation cost of water to the parched region.

According to sources in the Railways, the Ministry of Railways sent a bill of Rs 4 crore to Maharashtra government for transporting water through the special water train 'Jaldoot' to Latur region.

In a statement, Indian Railways said Suresh Prabhu stepped up to ensure water reached the parched district in Maharashtra at the request of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Since April 11, when the first 'Jaldoot' left Miraj in western Maharashtra for Latur, 6.20 crore litres of water has been sent to Latur.

In defense of the Rs 4-crore bill sent to Latur's district collector, railway sources said that a “Freight Operation Information System auto generated a receipt of bill for the Transport of water tanker to drought hit Latur region.”

However, “It is up to the district administration whether to pay us or seek waiver of the amount, through proper channels,” they added.

Railway sources say that the transportation bill till May 11 was about Rs 3 crore, while the approximate total cost for June end will be Rs 4 crore.

They said that the bill was sent after the district collector asked for the expenditure incurred for the whole exercise of transporting water. “Railways has not asked for any money,” they added.