Flash strike over non-payment delays Rajdhani Express

India's premier train Rajdhani Express known for its punctuality, good food and comfort was delayed by nearly 30 minutes on the day of Christmas. The Delhi-Mumbai 12952 Rajdhani Express started late due to a dispute between the pantry staff and contractor; amidst drama inside the train.

The train was scheduled to depart at 4.25pm from Delhi station. However, after arguments broke out between the pantry staff and contractor, the latter not only refused to board the train but also declined to load vegetables and food products, according to sources.

After 30 minutes of a scuffle, the train started chugging out of the station after the pantry staff refused to board. But they pulled the chain bringing the train to a halt and went on a flash strike.

At 5.04pm, a passenger tweeted to Railway minister Piyush Goyal, about the ruckus inside. "I am traveling in New Delhi - Mumbai Rajdhani Express .....Train got late by 1:30 hr my Coch no is B9/15 ...... Servies is worst as Catering person complaining they not got There salary from last 3 month...plz do need full.....thank u sir" (sic), he wrote.

These pantry staffs have been outsourced to a private contractor by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).

"There were issues between the pantry staff and the contractor that led to this problem. We have called the contractor for explanation and necessary action shall be taken," said Arvind Malkhade, Group General Manager (Western region), IRCTC. Later the issue was sorted then and there and pantry staff boarded the train.

The Rajdhani Express gets the first preference amongst all the trains that the Indian Railways operate. Slightest of delay in it is directly monitored by the Railway Board. The Rajdhani train running on Delhi-Mumbai route is on the number one priority.

Flash Strike

After arguments broke out between the pantry staff and contractor, the latter not only refused to board the train but also declined to load vegetables and food products. Later they went on a flash strike over non payment of salay for 3 months