Weekend commuters find Delhi-Jaipur train cheaper and safer

For Jaipur resident Saurabh Pradhan, the launch of double decker train between his city and Delhi in August 2012 was nothing less than a blessing.

For Jaipur resident Saurabh Pradhan, the launch of double decker train between his city and Delhi in August 2012 was nothing less than a blessing.

People opt for Double decker train for commuting to Jaipur and vice versa, at Gurgaon Railway Station.(Parveen Kumar/ HT Photo)

The 25-year-old software developer works for a company in Gurgaon and travels to and fro between Jaipur and Gurgaon by road before the double decker train was introduced. The commute used to leave him tired because of the poor condition of the Jaipur-Delhi highway.

Also, travelling by car was not a viable option because he had to shell out Rs 250 as toll fee, besides the fuel expenses.

Pradhan said one has to wait in long queues for paying the toll of Rs 59 at the Kherki Daula plaza. Moreover, the traffic management at the toll is very poor and this causes stress to commuters.

Travelling by bus is costlier as the bus fare between Jaipur and Gurgaon ranges from Rs 500 to Rs 850.

Pradhan said travelling by train is the best option. He said a ticket for AC chair car in the double decker train costs Rs 485.

“Train provides a good option as one does not have to wait at the toll plazas or drive through jams. Moreover, train travel is also cheaper compared to road,” said Pradhan after getting off the double decker train at the Gurgaon railway station on Monday morning.

Pradhan is not the only one who prefers train.

Isha, 27, who works in the audit department of Deloitte in Gurgaon, feels that travelling by train is safer, cheaper and less time consuming.

“The train takes just three and a half hours to travel between Jaipur and Gurgaon. It is also safer and economical,” she said.

Neha Kapoor, who works with the human resources department of a private firm in Jaipur andvisits her family in Gurgaon every weekend, said she did not see a reason why people should pay tolls when the highways are not maintained properly.