I have been contemplating writing this complaint for the past few months but today I am compelled to write to you with an expectation that the concern authorities will take appropriate action.
I travel daily (Mon-Fri) by Western Railway (WR) to attend my office at Mahalaxmi. To avoid packed slow trains in morning rush hour, I prefer going by Borivali to Churchgate fast trains which I change at Mumbai Central to go to Mahalaxmi. The particular train mentioned in the TITLE, I have observed that it invariably reaches late at Mumbai Central station everyday by at least 10-15 minutes despite starting on dot at 8.34 AM from Borivali. The train, although a fast train, never travels on the fast track until it reaches Santacruz or at times Bandra or Mahim. Very rarely it takes fast track at Andheri. The cause of DAILY DELAY is a mystery. Commuters in the train is helpless and they discuss their frustration almost every day but I don't see any action taken by WR. I am sure there must be a process within railways for recording timing of each train similar to an employee has a attendance register in an organisation. I presume you follow method similar to BEST. To understand my claim you may please check your daily records and study them. If local train is Mumbai's LIVE WIRE then what is the use of it when they reach late impacting daily routine of commuters. Please understand this a a daily affair and a common man is dependent on it.
Is WR not accountable to trains reaching destination on time which includes all the stations on the way ?
Is there any process measuring such delays and do root cause of the same ?
Is the motorman not made responsible for the same ? Is he not accountable for delay ?
What is the use of local railway time table if the train is going to reach late daily ? Yes, it reaches late on daily basis to Mumbai Central by 10-20 minutes.
I sincerely expect a responsible officer in WR to monitor this case for at least a month and see for yourself my claim. He will surely realize my frustration and why I have written this complaint. Even today (23.10.15) it reached late by 15 mins at Mumbai Central.
I used to travel for 20 years to my office daily by my own car. But for the past 3-4 years due to uncontrollable highway traffic jams I shifted to train travel who's reputation from my childhood has been dependable when it comes to time schedule. This was very much true in case of Western Railway in Mumbai.
But ever since I began travelling by train, I have lost the confidence gradually due to this daily experience. This particular train never reaches Mumbai Central at a scheduled time which is 9.20 AM. I cannot believe that daily the motorman has a obstructions on the way or he has reason for delay. The important fact is, it always starts on time at 8.34 AM from Borivali. This gives impression to commuter he/she will reach in time at the destination. Unfortunately that doesn't happen.
CAN WESTERN RAILWAY CONCERN AUTHORITIES TAKE NECESSARY ACTION TO IMPROVE THE SERVICE ?
IS THIS A UNREASONABLE EXPECTATION AS A COMMUTER / COMMON MAN ?
IS THERE ANY ACCOUNTABILITY IN YOUR SYSTEM ?
In case you do not believe my claim, I expect concern authorities to verify the same and take immediate action and inform me on my yahoo email ID. I am eagerly waiting for your response.
Abroad, the railways time is so immaculate that the commuters can set their watch. I have experience it myself. Even in my childhood WR had that reputation, but today this is wiped out completely which is a disgrace.
Let me also mention here that on the return journey in the evening there also trains reach late at Borivali by 10-15 minutes. You may check this for trains reaching Borivali during 8.30 PM to 9.30 PM.
Regards
Pradeep Kanvinde
I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH MR. KANVINDE.
Even after two years (from his date of complaint), nothing has changed. It is the sad old story being repeated. With daily delay it shows that WR is not able to manage the train traffic effectively i.e. reaching intermediate and ultimate destinations as per set time-table. In that case WR should not make over-commitments to the public and trying to show they are running the system efficiently. It pains more so when one remembers the era when the wristwatches used to be set correctly as per WR train arrivals.
It is a mis-conception that there are more Borivali trains than for Virar by the very commuters. Commuters at Borivali have to choose in advance whether they wish to opt for platform 1&2 or the rest. When the train reaches Andheri at platform no. 5, it waits first for fast train from Virar (even if it is late) to arrive and after it leaves have to wait for oncoming train to platform no.6 to make clear the change of track OR the train is dragged on slow track till Santacruz or Bandra. But in case the Borivali train reaches little late at Andheri while train from Virar reaches early, still the preference is given to Virar train to pass ahead of scheduled Borivali train. Why such discrimination is done by the railway authorities themselves?
Secondly, while arriving at Churchgate station in fast train, the motormen deliberately slow down the speed of the train while entering the station and takes an extra time to come to a complete halt. It is observed keenly on daily basis that before the incoming train stops the train on adjacent platform leaves, compelling all to use subway at Northern end and not allowing to cross the platform through still trains, especially those who wish to go on West side. It inconveniences the passengers by putting them through physical efforts, unable to take 'advantage of Terminus', crowding the subway.
Recently it is being seen that on no. of occasions tubelights in the train are not working, conspicuously 2 to 3 nos. in same zone within same compartment. There are certain old trains which are being run during peak hours as Borivali trains only. Being continued with wooden seats commuters have to tolerate nuisance of bugs. Why dont WR change at least the seating if they want to run old rakes. Moreover, these trains should be run on short distances like Bandra or Andheri ones or in Virar to Borivali stretch.
There should be intermittent trains for Borivali to Andheri and Bhayander to Andheri stretch during morning and evening peak hours. These could be run on 5th track as per suitable schedule of outstation trains.
LOOKING FORWARD TO WR TO IMPROVE THEIR SERVICES SERIOUSLY.
Regards,
Sonali Ranade