Pune: Summer rush throws train schedules off track; 48 services affected in April
The summer holiday rush has disrupted train schedules in Pune, with 48 trains delayed or rescheduled in April this year. Both regular and special services have been disrupted, leaving thousands of travellers inconvenienced at a time when demand peaks.
Services such as the Jhelum Express and Azad Hind Express have run behind schedule. Many long route special trains have arrived more than two hours late, stretching travel times and frustrating passengers.
According to officials, increased train traffic across the network has led to congestion on major routes. With limited track capacity, trains are frequently halted to let others pass. Regular trains are given priority over special services, while high-speed trains like the Vande Bharat and Rajdhani maintain fixed schedules, further tightening the grid.
'I had planned my journey weeks in advance, but my train was delayed by over six hours. I missed my connecting bus from Ernakulam,' said Rajesh Nair, an IT professional traveling to Kerala. 'It's very frustrating, especially when traveling with kids in the summer heat.'
A senior railway official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, 'This complex juggling of schedules is necessary but challenging, especially during peak seasons like summer. We acknowledge the inconvenience to passengers and are working to streamline operations and reduce delays.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Northern Railways begins commercial operations of Vande Bharat train between Katra and Srinagar
The Northern Railways on Saturday commenced commercial operations of Vande Bharat trains between Katra and Srinagar, officials said. The Vande Bharat express train, which was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Katra on June 6, connects Kashmir with the rest of the country through rail. Passengers who boarded the trains from Katra to Baramulla, or vice versa, expressed immense enthusiasm, with many stating they had eagerly awaited the opportunity to travel to Kashmir by train. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo The first day of commercial operations went smoothly, as the trains reached their destinations by the evening, officials said. They added that public excitement was high, with most of the seats booked within hours of the train's inauguration. Live Events According to Northern Railway, two Vande Bharat train sets made four trips during the day between Katra and Srinagar. They said the train has two travel classes -- Chair Car (CC) and Executive Class (EC) -- with tickets priced at Rs 715 and Rs 1,320, respectively.
News18
5 hours ago
- News18
Planning Kashmir Vande Bharat Trip? You'll Have To Wait A Few Days As All Seats Are Booked
Last Updated: The consistently full bookings indicate strong demand and public confidence in the new route, say officials The first two commercial Vande Bharat trains recorded 100% occupancy as services commenced on Saturday, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated them. A railways ministry official told News18 that both trains — one departing at 8.10 am and the other at 2.55 pm from Katra — were fully booked. Another IRCTC official informed News18 that occupancy for the next three trips on these trains was also at 100% as of Saturday afternoon. No vacancy Train 20401 departs from Katra at 8 am. Occupancy for the next three trips on this train is 100%, with the waiting list reaching 60. Train 20403 currently has a waiting list of over 50 passengers. The trains will traverse scenic landscapes — from deep valleys to majestic mountain ranges — and are expected to boost tourism in the region. Until Saturday, Srinagar lacked rail connectivity, with air and road travel being the only options. This has now changed with the completion of the missing rail link and the introduction of these trains. The ministry official added that the overwhelming response reflects growing interest in improved connectivity and the potential of the trains to support regional tourism. 'With modern features and faster travel times, the Vande Bharat trains are expected to significantly improve passenger convenience and boost tourism in the valley," the official said. On Friday, PM Modi inaugurated two Vande Bharat trains Train 26401 will complete the journey in 2 hours and 58 minutes, with chair car fares at Rs 715 and executive class at Rs 1,320. This train will depart from Katra at 8.10 am and arrive in Srinagar at 11.08 am, with a two-minute stop at Banihal at 9.56 am. On its return journey, the train will be numbered 26402. Chair car fares will be Rs 880 and executive class Rs 1,515. The train will depart from Srinagar at 2 pm and arrive in Katra at 4.58 pm, with a two-minute stop at Banihal at 3.08 pm. Trains 26401/26402 will operate six days a week, excluding Tuesdays. Train 26403 will depart from Katra at 2.55 pm and arrive in Srinagar at 5.53 pm, completing the journey in 2 hours and 58 minutes. The fare on this train will be Rs 660 for a chair car seat and Rs 1,270 for executive class. The price difference compared to the first Vande Bharat train is due to a difference in catering charges. From Srinagar, train 26404 will depart at 8 am and arrive in Katra at 10.58 am, with a two-minute stop at Banihal at 9 am. Fares will be Rs 715 for chair car and Rs 1,320 for executive class. Trains 26403/04 will operate six days a week, excluding Wednesdays. The consistently full bookings indicate strong demand and public confidence in the new route, say officials. Offering scenic views and shorter travel times, the Vande Bharat trains are poised to become a vital link for both daily commuters and tourists in the region.
NDTV
9 hours ago
- NDTV
Watch: Varanasi Family Celebrates Son's Birthday Aboard First Vande Bharat To Kashmir
In a heartwarming blend of travel and celebration, a family from Varanasi marked their son's sixth birthday with a cake-cutting ceremony aboard the inaugural Vande Bharat Express to Kashmir. The couple, Rakesh and Neha Jaiswal, surprised their son Moksh with a birthday bash on June 6 - the same day Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first Vande Bharat service to the Valley, from Jammu, after the completion of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link. On the same day, he also flagged off another train from Srinagar to Katra. The celebration took place as the train crossed the iconic Anji Khad Bridge - India's highest railway bridge - making the moment even more special. "It was a coincidence that it was our son's birthday the same day PM Modi was going to flag off this train. We thought we should celebrate our son's birthday on the first journey of this train so that his birthday becomes memorable for him," Rakesh Jaiswal told ANI. His wife Neha Jaiswal added, "This is the best gift for our son... We made this plan because of PM Modi." A video shared by ANI shows the family clapping and cheering as Moksh cuts his birthday cake inside the train, surrounded by fellow passengers. Watch the video here: #WATCH | A couple, Rakesh and Neha Jaiswal from Varanasi, celebrate their son Moksh's sixth birthday inside Kashmir's first Vande Bharat express train, cutting the cake as the train reaches Anji Khad Bridge, inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi yesterday. Rakesh Jaiswal says, "It was… — ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2025 The Vande Bharat Express now connects Katra in Jammu to Srinagar, significantly boosting rail connectivity in the region. About Kashmir Vande Bharat Express: Key Highlights Connects Srinagar to Katra via Banihal Operates six days a week (except Wednesdays) Specially built to withstand extreme cold, with features such as: Operation capability at -20 degree Celsius, with heated windscreens, air dryer system, thermally insulated washrooms, heated vacuum systems Equipped with modern passenger amenities, including fully air-conditioned coaches, automatic plug doors, CCTV surveillance Reduces travel time between Katra and Srinagar by 2-3 hours Kashmir Vande Bharat Express Timings: Srinagar to Katra: Katra to Srinagar: Departs at 2:55 PM Arrives in Srinagar at 5:53 PM
