Shatabdi Express turns 31 today; passengers rue train's sorry state

Bhopal: Broken windowpanes, dilapidated extinguishers and missing coach guidance. This is the condition of the Shatabdi Express, India’s first and longest Shatabdi Express that will complete 31 years on Thursday.

The first Shatabdi Express was introduced in 1988 to commemorate the birth century of Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India.

The train was flagged off between New Delhi and Jhansi. It was later extended to Bhopal and Habibganj.

Passengers said the railways needs to improve the condition of Shatabdi. “This is the longest Shatabdi Express in the country. It is our honour that this train originates and terminates in Bhopal. There is a need to maintain the train,” said Anant Verma, a passenger.

Passengers also alleged that they have made several complaints about the train's poor condition, but nothing has been done in this regard. “I have been travelling by Shatabdi for the past 20 years as I have shuttle between Bhopal and Habibganj regarding my business. It was an excellent train but gradually, problems have crept up,” said Anuj Yadav, a Bhopal-based businessman.

Passengers also alleged that several times, dysfunctional AC has been a big issue in Shatabdi. “This train is a pride for passengers travelling between Bhopal and New Delhi. In fact, I have seen that a majority of the foreigners coming to Agra or Sanchi travel by Shatabdi only. What impression would they have when they see the dysfunctional AC? We need to save this train,” said Pinki Khare, a passenger.

Recently, the railways was criticized for the new rule of serving 500ml water in place of 1-litre bottle. Passengers on the Bhopal Shatabdi were furious to learn about this rule when they were handed little bottles, instead of the 1-litre bottle that was the norm so far, for the seven-hour trip.

Passengers who alighted from the train criticized the railways for ‘shortchanging’ them. “I can’t understand what the railways is trying to achieve. I’d like to know how much water was being ‘wasted’ earlier and how much they will be able to save after handing us half-litre bottles,” said Vikas Dhankani, a passenger.

When contacted, PRO (Bhopal railway division), IS Siddique, said, “Shatabdi is being controlled by Northern Railway. We have nothing to do with it.” Due to this reason, no one even celebrates the anniversary of India’s first Shatabdi.