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Commuters Demand Rectification of Confusing Train Boards of 16589/90 & 20653/54 Trains.
In a recent incident yesterday at Belagavi Railway Station, a passenger had to jump out of a moving train as a result of the confusing train boards on the Rani Chennamma Express and Belagavi Superfast Express. This mishap has sparked concerns among commuters and railway activists regarding the negligence and unsynchronized display of train information at KSR Bengaluru station.
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The Rani Chennamma Express and Belagavi Superfast Express, two premium trains of the South Western Railway (SWR), have been operating under a Rake Share Agreement (RSA). This agreement allows two or more trains to share the same rake, facilitating maintenance and ensuring smooth operation to various destinations. However, it has become apparent that the RSA is causing significant troubles, particularly at the origin station, KSR Bengaluru.
The primary maintenance for both trains is conducted at KSR Bengaluru’s Under Carriage & Wagon facility, under the supervision of SWR SBC. Regrettably, the staff responsible for maintenance, specifically the CDO SBC, have neglected to change the train boards on the SLR/EOG (Last Coach of Rake) according to the train’s identity. Consequently, the Belagavi Superfast Express consistently displays the board of Rani Chennamma Express, and vice versa.
Shridhar Hulikavi, a railway activist and vocal representative of rail users, has been persistently raising concerns regarding this irregular and unsynchronized board issue on Twitter. He has appealed to the authorities to rectify the matter, but unfortunately, his efforts have been in vain. Despite his consistent reminders, no corrective measures have been taken, leading to yesterday’s unfortunate incident.
Confusing Train Boards: Incident at Belagavi Railway Station
The mishap occurred when both the Rani Chennamma Express and Belagavi Superfast Express were placed on adjacent platforms at Belagavi Railway Station.
On that particular day, the Rani Chennamma Express was rescheduled due to ongoing engineering works between Ugarkhurd and Vijaynagar. As a result, it arrived at Platform 02, adjacent to Platform 03 where the Belagavi Superfast Express was parked. The confusing train boards, displaying “Miraj – KSR Bengaluru – Belagavi” on both trains, led to significant confusion among commuters.
The confusing train boards, reading “Miraj – KSR Bengaluru – Belagavi” on both trains, left many passengers in a dilemma. Confused by the shared boards, several passengers boarded the wrong train, including a woman who was originally supposed to board the Belagavi Superfast Express but inadvertently entered the Rani Chennamma Express. Realizing her mistake as the train started moving, she had to resort to jumping out of the moving train to ensure her safety. Although she suffered injuries, the Railway Police Force (RPF) promptly came to her aid, ensuring she was placed on the correct train.
This alarming incident highlights the urgent need to address the incorrect placement of train boards to avoid such confusion and potential mishaps in the future.
Please Note: The LCD Display is bound to function and display all the Train’s Name and Platforms irrespective of the Display’s placement at any platform.
Passengers affected by this ongoing Confusing Train Boards have voiced their frustration:
- “The lack of proper train identification due to shared boards is causing immense inconvenience to passengers. It’s high time the railway authorities address this issue and prioritize passenger safety.” – Amruth Gasti, daily commuter.
- “I had a similar experience last month when I mistakenly boarded the wrong train due to the incorrect train board. It’s alarming how this negligence continues to risk passengers’ well-being.” – Miss Sandeepa Patil, regular traveler.
- “As a frequent traveler, I can attest to the confusion caused by the shared train boards. It’s essential that the railway administration takes immediate action to prevent such incidents from occurring again.” – Sandesh Petkar, concerned citizen.
While the Divisional Railway Manager of KSR Bengaluru & SSS Hubbali station assures that LCD and LED displays, along with regular announcements, are in place to assist passengers, these efforts often fall short. Sometimes the train number is not displayed on the boards, and the announcements are either too slow or inaudible, further adding to the passengers’ confusion and inconvenience.
Commuters and railway activists are not against the practice of the RSA but urge the railway authorities to rectify the issue of common boards and ensure proper display of train information. Such corrective measures will significantly enhance passenger convenience and prevent potential mishaps resulting from confusion and misboarding.
Confusing Train Boards: Possible solution
One concerned commuter suggested a practical solution to mitigate the confusion caused by the shared train boards. They recommended that at the very least, the SLR/EOG boards should be changed to reflect the correct train identities. Additionally, they proposed that both trains, the Rani Chennamma Express and Belagavi Superfast Express, should be renamed with their unique names clearly displayed on the respective trains. This would help avoid any ambiguity or misunderstanding among passengers.
Furthermore, the commuter emphasized that it would be prudent to avoid parking both trains adjacent to each other at any station. This precautionary measure would significantly reduce the likelihood of passengers inadvertently boarding the wrong train due to proximity or confusion caused by shared boards.
Implementing these suggestions would go a long way in addressing the current challenges faced by commuters and ensuring a more streamlined and passenger-friendly experience at Belagavi, KSR Bengaluru, and other stations along the route.
Conclusion
Furthermore, the Railway Police Force deserves commendation for their prompt assistance and guidance, particularly in the recent incident at Belagavi Railway Station. Their quick response and support in ensuring the passenger’s safety demonstrate the crucial role they play in safeguarding commuters.
It is now imperative for the railway authorities to address the concerns raised by passengers and take necessary steps to rectify the confusing train boards, improve the display systems, and provide clear announcements at KSR Bengaluru station along with Belagavi and Hubli Junction Station. This will not only enhance the overall commuting experience but also prioritize passenger safety, which should always remain the topmost priority for the Indian Railways.
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This article is written by Team Belagavi News inputs from the correspondent at the incident and various other people. If using our article, please ensure due credit is given to the Author.
