Bandh factor: BJP had plans to book 13 trains to carry supporters

Anticipating that a planned bandh may put gridlocks for road traffic on Sunday when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in the city to address a rally, central BJP leaders had planned to book trains to carry supporters from different parts of the state.

Political parties have often booked entire trains to carry supporters by paying 'full tariff rate', as per the provision made by the railways.

However, this time, the bandh factor had made the BJP to consider booking 13 trains, each costing about Rs 25 lakh for a two-way trip, sources said.

Accordingly, on January 31, the Bengaluru railway division prepared a list of major stations from where trains had to depart to reach Bengaluru on Sunday.

"BJP leaders had held discussions with the South Western Railway officials in Hubballi until two weeks ago. But the plan to hire trains was dropped as the bandh was withdrawn," the source said.