Pune: A severe lack of coach display boards at railway stations in Pune railway division is causing chaos and inconvenience for passengers, especially senior citizens and women. The absence of proper train and coach position displays has led to frequent injuries and fines for confused travelers.
Confusion at Pune and Lonavala Railway Stations
Pune and Lonavala railway stations handle 240 train movements daily, while Pimpri, Chinchwad, and Talegaon see a limited number of express and local train stops. Coach display boards have been installed at Pune, Lonavala, and Chinchwad stations, helping passengers identify train timings, platforms, and coach positions. However, many stations still lack these essential facilities, leaving passengers struggling to find their designated compartments.
On the Pune-Lonavala route, 42 local train trips operate daily, with 12-coach formations including reserved compartments for women, first-class travelers, and differently-abled passengers. The lack of coach display boards leads to panic and last-minute rushes, particularly affecting senior citizens and women. In many instances, passengers attempt to board moving trains, resulting in serious accidents.
Passengers Mistakenly Board Wrong Coaches, Face Heavy Fines
Without proper coach display information, many passengers accidentally enter first-class or disabled coaches instead of their designated compartments. If a passenger with a second-class ticket unknowingly travels in a first-class coach, they are fined ₹270 plus the first-class fare difference. This has led to frustration among travelers, who are forced to pay unnecessary fines due to a lack of information.
Sinhagad Express Coach Positions Changed Frequently
Daily commuters, including government employees, bankers, traders, and lawyers, rely on the Sinhagad Express, which departs Pune at 6:05 AM for Mumbai. However, at Pimpri railway station, the train does not stop as per the displayed coach positions, leading to panic among passengers. Due to last-minute coach rearrangements, travelers are forced to run across platforms, significantly increasing the risk of injuries and accidents while trying to board.
Several Stations Lack Coach Display Boards
Several key stations on the Pune-Lonavala route lack digital coach display boards, creating confusion for passengers. These stations include:
Dapodi
Kasarwadi
Akurdi
Bhegadewadi
Ghorawadi
Vadgaon
Kanhae
Malavali
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Dr. Milind Hirve, assured improvements: "Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, we are installing digital display boards at stations like Chinchwad and Talegaon. This will ensure passengers do not face inconvenience in the future."
