Jamshedpur, April 16: With a view to meet rush of passengers during the summer season, the South Eastern Railways (SER) has decided to introduce additional coaches in several long-distance trains passing through or originating from Tatanagar.
Local rail authorities, who are being pressured for additional coaches on long-distance trains in view of the long waiting list of passengers, have assured that by May additional coaches will be available.
The authorities said because of limited space in the Tatanagar washing line, the South Eastern Railway (SER) is reluctant to provide additional bogies.
“Now, with the third washing line the washing capacity of coaches will increase at Tatanagar and the Garden Reach headquarters in Kolkata. The SER may then agree to release additional coaches,” said Tatanagar railway station official.
He said with the introduction of the proposed third washing line, over 45 coaches can be washed at a time. He also said additional coaches to the Tatanagar-Chhapra Express train has been attached recently to handle passenger rush.
Vacations have caused a huge rush of commuters in trains on long routes. A long waiting list is causing inconvenience to many, who are not getting confirmation of their seats.
The waiting lists in several trains like Howrah-Mumbai Geetanjali Express, Sambalpur-Howrah Ispat Express, Puri-New Delhi Puroshottam Express, Howrah-Ahmedabad Express and Tatanagar Jammu Tawi is almost exhausted.
Railway authorities informed that fresh requisition has been sent to South Eastern Railway for additional coaches in Tata-Chapra and Tata-Dhanbad South-Eastern Express.
A travel agent said, “The Delhi route is the busiest and there is no ticket available till the end of this month. All major trains on the Delhi route are witnessing heavy rush and packed to capacity.”
Jugsalai-based agent Anil Rao said in the month of May, most of the schools get closed. People flock towards hill stations and other tourist destinations and the booking for the same begins two months in advance. Thus, on a daily basis they address more than 300 queries regarding reservations.
The Tatanagar-Yesvantpur Superfast Express, Tatanagar- Allappuzha (Alleppy) Express, Tatanagar-Jallianwala Bagh Express, South Bihar Express and Tatanagar-Danapur Express are among the trains in which rush of commuters is a common feature during vacations.
“The officials concerned will decide after evaluating the requirements of the route, following the commencement of the washing line,” said an official in the area railway manager’s office.
