Peak-hour blues for lakhs as CR services hit again

The suburban services on the Central Railway (CR) was badly hit for the second consecutive day on Thursday causing inconvenience to lakhs of commuters during the morning peak hours.

Multiple failures at different locations after a drizzle in parts of the city threw the suburban services on the main line of the Central Railway out of gear till late night on Wednesday.

The services were expected to be back on track in the morning but it did not. In fact, the suburban services were running 30 to 45 minutes behind schedule during the peak hours on Thursday.

Commuters complained that trains and platforms were crowded than usual and were also taking a long time to reach the destinations. A commuter activist said his train took three-and-a-half hours to cover a distance between Kasara and Thane, which was more than double the time it normally takes.

CR spokesperson said suburban services were running 15-20 minutes late on the CST-Kalyan section but added there was no specific reason behind the delay.

Commuters also complained there was no announcements at the stations regarding the services. No information was given to commuters even through social media though railway minister Suresh Prabhu has instructed the administration to do so.

Last night, the suburban services on the main line was crippled because of multiple failures. A point failure between Ghatkopar and Vikhroli stations was the major reason behind bringing six lines to a grinding halt for more than 90 minutes.

As commuters had to go through a nightmarish experience because of paralysed train services, some members of commuter groups reached CR general manager’s office to question him about the frequent disruptions.

On the other hand on the occasion of two years of the Narendra Modi government, the railway ministry has launched a seven-day long Rail Humsafar Saptah from Thursday. The railways will take various initiatives to improve railway services.

However, upset with last night’s ordeal, commuter groups slammed the railway authorities. “Instead of focusing on such functions, the railways should concentrate on improving its services to ensure safe, hassle-free rides to commuters,” said Abhijit Dhulat, a commuter activist.