Punctuality takes a hit even as mainline express trains run late

Punctuality takes a hit even as mainline express trains run late

G.V.G. Rao, a resident of Vanasthalipuram, and his family members travelled to New Delhi on Duronto Express to Hazarat Nizamuddin (train no.12285) towards the end of last year. The express train did leave Secunderabad on the scheduled time of 12.50 p.m. but reached Nizamuddin an hour late, nearly noon the next day.

Mr. Rao thought the return journey will be different and travelled by Telangana Express (train No.12724) . But, to his surprise, the train scheduled to leave New Delhi railway station at 4 p.m, left at 5.40 p.m., reached Secunderabad at 8.15 p.m. - late by 4.20 hours, with scheduled arrival being 3.55 p.m..

Dr. Jaiprakash, a retired railway medical professional, travelled in Godavari Express from Visakhapatnam (train no. 12727) last month. It did leave the starting station on time but instead of the scheduled arrival at 5.45 a.m. in Secunderabad, it reached at about 8.30 a.m. His return journey was no better as the same train reached Visakhapatnam more than an hour late.

There is the case of N.S.R. Murthy, a resident of Secunderabad. He and his family travelled by Coconada Express from Bhimavaram to Lingampalli (train No. 12775). It arrived at the right time at Bhimavaram Town but reached Secunderabad station at 8 a.m. the next day, against its scheduled time of 6.20 a.m.

These are a few examples of how the punctuality of the trains, including the marque express, have plummeted of late in South Central Railway (SCR). These loyal railway passenger complaints have been proven to be correct going by the official punctuality figures. Overall trains punctuality has dropped to a low of 70% in 2023-24 when compared to 83%, 81% and 91% respectively in the preceding years of 2022-23, 2021-2022 and 2020-2021.

“Almost all the trains are reaching their respective destinations late. Passengers generally opt for trains reaching destinations early morning to attend to their work places. Delays could also be because of constraints in the capacity of stations. While modifying Secunderabad station is necessary, construction of a few more platforms is also essential,” observed Mr. Murthy.

“The powers-that-be should ensure punctual running of trains, more so super fast trains, for which extra charges are levied, to avoid inconvenience to passengers,” said Mr. Rao.