A Mumbai-Ahmedabad bound Tejas Express passenger faced a distressing ordeal when the train was abruptly canceled mid-journey due to heavy rains across Gujarat. Associate Professor Prithwiraj Mukherjee took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share his frustrating experience, revealing how he and other passengers were stranded at Vadodara junction for several hours without any official communication.
Stranded Without Information
Prithwiraj Mukherjee described the chaotic situation in a detailed thread, stating that the train’s air conditioning was turned off, leaving passengers to endure the sweltering heat as they waited for updates. Despite the severe weather conditions affecting rail services, a Vande Bharat Express train, which had been running parallel to Tejas Express, managed to reach Ahmedabad. This prompted Mukherjee to question why the Tejas Express could not proceed if the Vande Bharat was able to continue its journey.
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Allegations of Preferential Treatment
Mukherjee also voiced concerns about what he perceived as “preferential treatment” given to the Vande Bharat train. He expressed frustration over the lack of communication from railway officials and criticized the management for failing to address the passengers’ concerns. He claimed that the situation worsened when some passengers approached railway officers, who eventually agreed to help them reach Ahmedabad. However, by then, the train had become overcrowded as passengers from other canceled trains boarded the Tejas Express.
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Passengers Left in Chaos
The situation at Vadodara station remained dire until 6 a.m., with passengers receiving conflicting instructions about their onward journey. Mukherjee shared that everyone was suddenly told to board another train to Ahmedabad, leading to a “mad rush” as passengers scrambled to find space on the new train.
Railway Authorities Respond
Mukherjee’s viral post caught the attention of Railway Seva, the official customer service account of Indian Railways, which issued a clarification. The railways explained that the Vande Bharat Express was able to continue its journey due to its higher clearance and advanced technology, which allowed it to operate safely in deep water. In contrast, other trains, including the Tejas Express, lacked such capabilities and could not be operated when the water level exceeded 150 mm on the tracks.
Railway Seva also urged Mukherjee to share his journey details and assured him that his concerns would be addressed through the appropriate channels.
Social Media Reactions
The post quickly went viral, garnering numerous comments from concerned X users. Many expressed their dismay at the situation and sympathized with the passengers. One user highlighted the need for better communication from the railways to prevent panic among travelers, especially in adverse weather conditions. Others offered words of comfort, hoping that Mukherjee and the other passengers would reach their destination safely.