Rajdhani passengers made to sweat

BHUBANESWAR: Passengers of Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Rajdhani Express took the railway authorities to task at the City Railway Station after air-conditioning system in three coaches developed snag on Monday morning. As a result, the train’s departure was delayed by about three hours.East Coast Railways General Manager Arvind Kumar Vohra has ordered an inquiry into the incident. A three-member committee has been constituted to conduct the probe.The problem started when the passengers boarded the train and found out that three air-conditioning systems in three 3-tier coaches had broken down.Although the attention of the attendants was drawn to the snag, there was no improvement in the situation. With the AC not functioning, the angry passengers trooped into the station manager’s office demanding action. The East Coast Railway authorities tried to fix the problem, but it took them more than two and a half hours.The superfast train, scheduled to depart at 9.15 am, left Bhubaneswar at 11.55 am after the coaches were repaired at the Mancheswar Coach Workshop. This, however, was not the first instance of Rajdhani Express reporting such problem. Passengers had faced similar problem last week too. The problem with the train is the unique composition of the rakes which makes it difficult for replacement. Maintenance work of Rajdhani Express, shuttling between Bhubaneswar and New Delhi, was being done at both ends. Sources said major maintenance used to be done at New Delhi till June and minor works were being done at Bhubaneswar.But now major maintenance is being done in the State.