High fare, odd timings main reasons for failure of railways ambitious project.
Indore-Bhopal Double Decker train, one of the ambitious projects of the railways, has failed to attract passengers even during Diwali festivities.
The train which was started on September 27 had a capacity to ferry 1320 passengers at one go. However, it was getting average 100 passengers/day.
Following this, the railways reduced number of coaches from 11 to three after a fortnight of ride.
The Railways was expecting to run the train full of its capacity of 360 passengers in three coaches during the five days Diwali festival. However the train between Indore and Bhopal via Dewas received only 456 passengers and the train between Bhopal and Indore via Ujjain received 569 passengers between November 1 and 5.
In both trains there were only 8 and 31 passengers on November 3.
“We received many suggestions, including increasing one more trip of the train, adding non-ac coaches and changing time schedule of the train. Besides, comparatively high fare of the train is also a reason of its not getting the desired result" said Divisional Commercial Manager, CS Guril.
Experts say that high fare of the train is one of the major reasons of failing to attract the passengers. Though, double decker is air conditioned but many other trains on this route are offering services at comparatively less fare. Experts say that timing schedule of the train is not suitable for the daily passengers or those, who travel between these two major cities of the state for business purpose.
As per the schedule, the train takes 3.35 hours to complete 217 kilometre journey between Habibganj Station (Bhopal) and Indore via Dewas junction. The train departs from Bhopal at 6.15 am and reaches here at 9.35am. The same train leaves from Indore at 7.20pm and reaches at Habibganj station at 22.55pm.
Another double decker running between Indore-Bhopal via Ujjain departs from Indore at 10am and reached Bhopal Station at 2.05pm while in return, the train leaves Bhopal Station on 2.35pm and reaches here at 6.50 pm.
Besides, late arrival is common feature of the train.
The passengers found high fare and odd running schedule as major reasons for not getting the desired results.
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