Passengers of the Delhi-Amritsar Shatabdi Express were left stranded at New Delhi railway station on Saturday morning after the train failed to include its executive coach. Scheduled to depart at 7 am, the train remained stationary, leaving commuters and tourists frustrated and confused. The oversight left travellers, especially those relying on the executive class for added comfort, scrambling for alternative arrangements, reports Indian Express.
Railway Authorities Acknowledge Oversight
Railway authorities have admitted the error, explaining that the executive coach was not attached to the train due to a logistical oversight. Despite ongoing efforts to resolve the issue, no immediate timeline was provided for the train’s departure. The absence of the executive coach disrupted the train’s service, with many passengers left wondering about the next steps.
Passengers Express Anger Over Lack of Communication
The delay caused significant inconvenience for passengers, many of whom were relying on the train for timely travel. Passengers criticized the lack of communication from railway staff, and the absence of alternative arrangements exacerbated the frustration. Yogesh Aggarwal, a businessman from Delhi, expressed his anger over the situation, saying, “I have a meeting with a dealer in Ludhiana at 12 pm. How can they fail to attach a complete bogey? This needs an inquiry.”
Similarly, an area sales manager for Orkla Intl, travelling to Ludhiana, voiced concern over the oversight. “We have meetings to attend, such an error is unacceptable,” he remarked. The delay not only affected those with urgent business schedules but also disrupted the plans of daily commuters.
Impact on Business and Tourist Travelers
The disruption also had a ripple effect on tourists and travellers who were dependent on the Shatabdi Express for punctual arrivals at their destinations. The train’s delayed departure forced many to reconsider their plans, with no immediate assistance or clear communication provided by railway staff.
As the delay dragged on, frequent updates over the station’s public announcement system did little to calm passengers, many of whom were anxious about missing their scheduled commitments.
Awaiting Official Statement from Northern Railway
At the time of filing this report, an official statement from the Northern Railway zone was still awaited. Passengers remain uncertain about when the issue will be resolved and when the train will finally depart.
This incident raises concerns about the efficiency of operations and the communication channels between railway authorities and passengers. With many travellers depending on the punctuality of trains like the Shatabdi Express, such oversights could lead to a further loss of trust in the service.