Middle class in the country is finding itself increasingly cut-off from nation’s lifeline thanks to decision of Indian Railways to upgrade masses to air-conditioned travel. As part of decision to cut down on sleeper coaches, the Central Railway has replaced six of them with third air-conditioned coaches in popular Mumbai-bound Duronto Express and its pair train to Nagpur. The comfortable and superfast travel to State capital is now going to blow a big hole in the pockets of travellers due to Dynamic Fare; as demand rises, so does the fare. Since inception, the train has been running jam-packed, but post change in composition, now third air-conditioned coaches are half empty as availability is much more than demand. Given the fact that Indians, and that too marginal and middle class, do not have deep pockets; sleeper coach is most preferred mode of travel. But, Central Government has decided to ram down the new policy and sleeper coaches that used to range from eight to ten in Mail/Express trains are being replaced with third AC coaches. In Mumbai Duronto, the sleeper coaches are now just two. The change in composition of Duronto Express, Mumbai-bound and on return journey to Nagpur, came into effect from June 15 onwards. A notification about the change in composition of Mumbai-bound Duronto Express was issued in February and as such, the change was put in motion much to the anguish of ordinary travellers, said the local officials.

 

 

Mumbai Duronto and its pair train to Nagpur runs with composition of 22 bogies and it previously had eight sleeper coaches that provided ample cushion to those who could not afford travel in air-conditioned coaches. Now as decided by Board, the sleeper coaches, also called economy coaches, are replaced with third air- conditioned coaches, putting the common man in spot. The present composition of Mumbai Duranto is one 1AC, three 2A, 15 3A, and 2 SL and one guard-cum-brake van. Commenting on the situation, Basant Shukla, Secretary, Bhartiya Yatri Kendra (BYK), said this is a calculated game, Railways is now eyeing to b ook profit at cost of the common man.

First they cut down the general bogies, there used to be four and now only two remains, and now they are hell bent on enmass replacement of sleeper coaches with third air conditioned coaches. One does not understand the idea behind forcing costly and unrequired travel choice on hapless travellers. Is it meant to bring in private players for operation of Mail/Express trains as earlier attempt of Central Government found no takers due to large number of middle class travellers, questioned Shukla.

 

Echoing the view of common travellers, Brijbhushan Shukla of Rail Yatri Kendra, said the move is not good for those who have to travel with family, as the reduction in sleeper coaches means availability of seats stands reduced. Also, with Dynamic Pricing coming into play, the ticket prices in Duronto are going to increase and one should not be surprised if they cost at par with AC class ticket. So even after paying premium at par with AC, the passenger will still have to travel in sleeper bogie, provided they get the confirmed ticket. Further, he added that already the booking position for month of June reveal that move to upgrade travellers’ choice by force has not found any takers. While the air conditioned bogies are showing vacant position, the availability in sleeper bogies are showing waiting of 150 for remaining days in the month of June. So, whose gain is it in case the popular Duranto is going to run half empty? Traveller are the loosers as, in spite of paying hefty fare, there is no corresponding increase in the amenities. Earlier, the train was non-stop. But now a stoppage is provided at Badnera and it has came as a boon for unauthorised vendors who are making a merry even as officials look the other way.

 

Brijbhushan said they have nothing against air conditioned coaches, but atleast a balance with sleeper coaches should have been maintained. Instead of eight 2SL, they could have hads five of them. It would ensure better availability of reserved ticket. And for 3AC, instead of 15 coaches, they could have nine, as this would cater to the demand. In current scenario, sleeper class tickets would also zoom and might even surprass the demand for 3AC since demand is going to increase substantialy and with Dynamic Fare policy, fares would zoom upwards like anything, he said. So for middle classes, the situation is akin to one narrated in first few lines of old Hindi song, ‘Jaye to Jaye Kahan’.