Jamshedpur, Jan 9: Train services across several routes, including premium trains like Rajdhani Tejas Express, have been severely disrupted due to dense fog and cold weather. Many trains are running hours behind schedule, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated.
The reduced visibility caused by the fog has forced trains to operate at slower speeds, impacting even those usually known for punctuality. Adding to the chaos, several trains have been cancelled, worsening the situation for travelers.
The Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Tejas Express, which connects Bhubaneswar, Tatanagar, and New Delhi, was delayed by nearly 10 to 12 hours. Scheduled to reach Bhubaneswar at 9:30 am, the train left only at 6:30 pm due to a lack of available rakes. Similarly, the Purushottam Express, which runs from New Delhi to Bhubaneswar via Tatanagar, was cancelled altogether due to the same issue.
The situation is no better for other trains. The New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Tejas Rajdhani Express is running nine hours late, while several other premium trains like the Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Rajdhani Express and Purushottam Express are also delayed by several hours.
Passengers waiting at Tatanagar railway station are enduring extreme discomfort in the harsh winter weather. Reports suggest that even accurate information regarding train schedules is not being provided, adding to their distress.
Passenger Reactions
The delays have sparked anger and frustration among passengers, many of whom shared their grievances:
- Yashdev, Passenger at Tatanagar: “The Yashwantpur Express, scheduled to arrive at 11:40 am, hasn’t reached yet. This delay has caused us significant trouble, especially in this freezing weather. We’re very worried.”
- Inamulik, Traveller from Jagannathpur: “I’m waiting for the Tata-Thawe train to go to Munger. I need to be there on time for my studies. These delays are causing a lot of problems, especially for patients and other urgent travelers. We’re distressed.”
The impact of these delays is being felt across major junctions like Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Junction, one of the busiest stations on the Delhi-Howrah rail route, where trains continue to run behind schedule.
Passengers are calling for better communication and swift action to address the delays, as the disruptions show no signs of abating amidst the persistent cold and foggy conditions.
