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Journalism of Courage
VADODARA, March 25: Despite paying for a super-fast express, passengers availing the Sayajinagari Express say it is not worth the money.
While a super-fast train halts only at specific stations and only after a two-hour gap, commuters travelling on this train say the train is no different than a local train till Vapi, besides absence of separate coaches for pass-holders adding to the woes.
“Despite having tickets for reserved coaches, we do not get any seats, as they are already occupied by commuters,” complains R A Mehta. Mehta, who travels in the train every week. He says he has never found a seat in it. Mehta says pass-holders have always been a nuisance to the other travellers. “Till Vapi the train stops at every station, so why should we pay more,” questions A K Shah. Recalling his experience, he says he boarded the second class compartment on a general class ticket and was penalised. Shah says he prefers paying penalty to paying superfast charges and travel uncomfortably.
Another commuter Y Nandeya, also a member of the Rail and Road Passenger Association, complaining about the poor condition of the train, says they have represented the grievances of the passengers a number of times to the railway authorities but nothing has been done in the context.
He says the passengers should either be treated as those who travel with reserved tickets or the division should make separate arrangements for pass holders.
He says it is because of these problems that most of the passengers prefer buying general class tickets and travel in the sleeper class since the condition in both of these are the same.
