Rlys come up with online poll over modified coaches
Passengers unhappy with the extra berths introduced in long-distance trains can now post their opinions on Indian Railways’ website
By Yogesh Avasthi
Posted On Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 02:31:35 AM (Ahmedabad Mirror : http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article§name=News%20-%20City§id=3&contentid=2009021020090210023134912c0c6db63)
Following a mixed response from a cross-section of passengers over introduction of third side berth in compartments of long distance trains, the Railway Board has now posted a proforma for opinion poll for the modified sleeper coaches online.The form, seeking opinions regarding leg space, sitting space and overall comfort, can be accessed by passengers at http://www.trainenquiry.com/poll/OpPoll.asp The new coaches have been introduced in trains that pass through Ahmedabad — Lokshakti Express, Howrah Express, Siachen-Sayajinagari Express and Thiruvananthapuram-Bikaner Express. Nearly 25 per cent of railway bogies of passenger trains have been upgraded with an additional berth in each partition.
AM’s report, ‘Railways need to focus on berth control’ was published on September 29 The old coaches had six berths on one side of the partition and two on the other, but the new ones have seven berths on one side and three on the other (see picture), leaving passengers jostling for space.“Such a survey is being conducted for the first time. If passengers are unhappy with the arrangement, the board may decide to do away with the modification,” said sources in Railway Board.
The modified coaches fetch 13 per cent additional revenue to the Railways, sources said.“It is good they have come up with an online poll. I am definitely going to register a complaint. I felt cheated the last time I travelled in Thiruvanthapuram-Bikaner Express. Instead of eight berths in a partition (a set of six on one side of and two on other) there were nine (seven on one side and three on the other)! I literally had to squeeze in to make space for one more person. And they had not even reduced the fare, considering the inconvenience it caused,” says Arunya Pillai, a central government employee. As per the 2008 rail budget report, the general sleeper compartment seats will be increased from 72 to 84; AC chair car from 67 to 102; third AC from 64 to 81; second AC from 46 to 48 and first AC from 18 to 22.While the Railways Timetable (page 294) details basic fares of trains with the new coaches and the discounts offered, these have not been fed into the reservation software used at ticket booking counters across India. “Frankly, I do not care about the discounts.
All I want is that they do away with that arrangement and continue with the existing fare. It is so uncomfortable for senior citizens like me,” says Anandi Thulasidharan, a resident of Ashoknagar Society in Satellite area.The poll form seeks passenger details including the train number, date of journey, berth number and his opinion on leg space, space for movement, sitting space, sleeping space, assessment of coach and comfort factor. One can also post suggestions on the site.
By Yogesh Avasthi
Posted On Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 02:31:35 AM (Ahmedabad Mirror : http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article§name=News%20-%20City§id=3&contentid=2009021020090210023134912c0c6db63)
Following a mixed response from a cross-section of passengers over introduction of third side berth in compartments of long distance trains, the Railway Board has now posted a proforma for opinion poll for the modified sleeper coaches online.The form, seeking opinions regarding leg space, sitting space and overall comfort, can be accessed by passengers at http://www.trainenquiry.com/poll/OpPoll.asp The new coaches have been introduced in trains that pass through Ahmedabad — Lokshakti Express, Howrah Express, Siachen-Sayajinagari Express and Thiruvananthapuram-Bikaner Express. Nearly 25 per cent of railway bogies of passenger trains have been upgraded with an additional berth in each partition.
AM’s report, ‘Railways need to focus on berth control’ was published on September 29 The old coaches had six berths on one side of the partition and two on the other, but the new ones have seven berths on one side and three on the other (see picture), leaving passengers jostling for space.“Such a survey is being conducted for the first time. If passengers are unhappy with the arrangement, the board may decide to do away with the modification,” said sources in Railway Board.
The modified coaches fetch 13 per cent additional revenue to the Railways, sources said.“It is good they have come up with an online poll. I am definitely going to register a complaint. I felt cheated the last time I travelled in Thiruvanthapuram-Bikaner Express. Instead of eight berths in a partition (a set of six on one side of and two on other) there were nine (seven on one side and three on the other)! I literally had to squeeze in to make space for one more person. And they had not even reduced the fare, considering the inconvenience it caused,” says Arunya Pillai, a central government employee. As per the 2008 rail budget report, the general sleeper compartment seats will be increased from 72 to 84; AC chair car from 67 to 102; third AC from 64 to 81; second AC from 46 to 48 and first AC from 18 to 22.While the Railways Timetable (page 294) details basic fares of trains with the new coaches and the discounts offered, these have not been fed into the reservation software used at ticket booking counters across India. “Frankly, I do not care about the discounts.
All I want is that they do away with that arrangement and continue with the existing fare. It is so uncomfortable for senior citizens like me,” says Anandi Thulasidharan, a resident of Ashoknagar Society in Satellite area.The poll form seeks passenger details including the train number, date of journey, berth number and his opinion on leg space, space for movement, sitting space, sleeping space, assessment of coach and comfort factor. One can also post suggestions on the site.
