Passengers commuting on Deccan Queen and Sinhagad Express from Pune request rail authorities to prepone departure time

Passengers of the prestigious Mumbai-Pune Deccan Queen and Sinhagad Express have registered a complaint with the Central Railway (CR) authorities requesting them to change the timing of the two morning trains.
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Their complaint is that the 2,800 passengers travelling in the trains have to pay a fine of Rs 1,500 as penalty for reaching office late.


Hemant Tapale, president of Pune-Mumbai Railway Pravasi Sangh

Hemant Tapale, president of Pune-Mumbai Railway Pravasi Sangh, said, "We have written a letter to the General Manager of CR requesting him to change the timings of the two trains, which reach the city in the morning. We have also asked him to reduce the halting time at stations such as Lonavala and Monkey Hill."

According to him, the trains halt for approximately 15-20 minutes, which increases the overall travel time. Also, the trains pass Kalyan through platform seven. "However, if the trains could pass through platform five, then the speed could be increased from 25 km/h to 40 km/h," Tapale added.
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He further explained that when the trains slow down, several people attempt to alight, thereby causing numerous accidents.

Nimesha Balwally, a bank employee at Fort and 15-year commuter, said, "I get late marks everyday, but I compensate by working on Saturdays. But several fellow passengers have to pay approximately Rs 1,500 for coming late.

Another commuter working in Mantralaya said, "My office timing is 9.30 am but I am reprimanded everyday for coming late, which is irritating. I get up early in the morning and return home late, but I still have to pay Rs 1,800 every month for coming late.

Sometimes, I have to adjust by surrendering my paid leaves."

The Deccan Queen, which departs from Pune at 7.15 am reaches CST station at 10.45 am while official time of arrival is 10.25 am. Similarly, the Sinhagad Express departing from Pune at 6.05 am reaches CST at 10.30 am, instead of at 9.55 am.

CR speaks

An official from the CR said that they have received complaints from passengers and are looking into the matter. However, he said it was not an easy task, as the timings of local trains would get affected.

Vinit Kumar, Deputy General Manager, CR, said, "We will examine the demands of the passengers keeping in view the operational requirements of the suburban section of the Mumbai area."

Deccan Queen
Departs from Pune: 7.15 am
Arrives at CST: 10.45 am
Official arrival time: 10.25 am

Sinhagad Express
Departs from Pune: 6.05 am
Arrives at CST: 10.30 am
Official arrival time: 9.55 am