Trouble for Shatabdi Express passengers

Delhi-bound commuters told to pay double fare or face evacuation.

Passengers of the Amritsar-New Delhi Shatabdi Express were asked to pay double the fare or get off the train after a damaged coach was detached at Amritsar station just 15 minutes before departure on Tuesday evening.

The TTE even threatened the passengers of the Delhi-bound train that if the fare was not paid and they insisted on staying put, the RPF would be used to evacuate them, passengers alleged.

“My children have to appear in their exams in Delhi tomorrow and we are facing such inconvenience even after having confirmed reservation,” Sanjay Bharadwaj, a passenger, said on phone. “Seventy-eight of us who had confirmed reservation in the CX-1 coach had to board other coaches as we were left with no choice.” He said the railways expected them to look for alternative travel arrangements just 15 minutes before departure. “The TTE asked for my ticket and I showed it to him,” he said. “I have confirmed reservations for seat numbers 20, 21, 22, 25 and 26 in CX-1 coach, but I had to board coach C6,” he added.

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Ludhiana station superintendent RK Sharma said he would talk to the TTE about it. “The railways are clear about the rules and as per rules if a coach is detached due to damage, the railways are not responsible because for us the safety of the passenger is of prime importance,” he said. “When the coach is not safe for passengers how can we use that coach?”