As the summer vacation season approaches, railway routes to North and East India are facing unprecedented demand, with trains operating at 150% capacity.
The Ahmedabad Division of Western Railways has sought approval for 13 additional trains to alleviate the strain, but delays in approval have left passengers in limbo. Last year, 14 trains from the Ahmedabad Division made 214 trips between April and June, with occupancy rates exceeding 150%. This surge in demand underscores the need for immediate action to accommodate passengers during the upcoming vacation rush. A letter addressed to Ashok Kumar Mishra, the General Manager of Western Railway, by members of the Zonal Rail Users Consultative Committee (ZRUCC), highlights the urgency of the situation. They emphasise the necessity of approving the requested trains to facilitate travel to popular destinations such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Patna.
Furthermore, concerns are raised regarding the lack of timely announcements about new train services, leaving passengers with insufficient time to plan their trips. The letter also criticises the railways for inadequate measures to address the growing demand, resulting in long waiting lists and ticket unavailability. The activists point out that sleeper class coaches are being reduced while air-conditioned coaches are increased, exacerbating the situation for passengers. They emphasise the importance of railway officials actively engaging with passengers to understand their needs and address their concerns, as advocated by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. In light of these challenges, there is a pressing need for immediate action to approve additional trains and implement measures to streamline the booking process. Failure to address the current capacity strain could result in further inconvenience for passengers and tarnish the reputation of the railways during this crucial travel period.
