The Tejas Express, Indian railways’ premium semi-luxury train has unfortunately been in the news for the wrong reasons ever since its launch. The train which boasts of features such as on-board entertainment system, LCD screens, WiFi, coffee vending machines, snack tables, smart windows with automatic blinds had one of its windows damaged after a stone was allegedly thrown at it.
The maiden trip of the train from Mumbai to Goa was practically ruined after a few passengers travelling on the train decided to steal the headphones and vandalize the LCDs which have been provided as part of the on-board entertainment system. Some of the passengers even littered in the train and also didn’t flush properly after using the toilets.
Now though a positive news regarding the train is doing the rounds. As reported the train’s departure on Sunday from Goa was unfortunately delayed by 3 hours as the empty coach from Mumbai came late, owing to the change of train’s timetable.
Two timetables have been introduced for the train, regular and a monsoon one. During the monsoon season the train would take about 12-15 hours as opposed to its usual 8.5 hrs. The revised time table has been put in place in order to hedge against the rough terrain the monsoon rain brings with it.
The train departed from Goa at 10:30 AM instead of the scheduled 7:30 AM but made up time by travelling as fast as 153 Kmph between the Karmali and Kudal sector.
This incident shows that the Indian Railway authorities are doing all they can in order to maintain the premium standard of the train. It remains to be seen if the passengers too take a lesson from the dedication of the authorities to try and responsibly use the facilities provided on-board the train.
This punctuality when it comes to the Tejas Express would also contribute in improving the image of Indian trains which are infamous for having regular delays.
