A major power failure on the Ambala-Sriganganagar passenger train left hundreds of passengers stranded for several hours, causing significant inconvenience and delays. The incident occurred on Thursday evening when the train, which was en route from Ambala to Sriganganagar, experienced a sudden power outage near the Rajpura railway station in Punjab.
Details of the Incident
The power failure struck the train around 7 PM, leaving passengers in complete darkness. The train's air conditioning and lighting systems ceased to function, leading to discomfort among travelers, especially women, children, and elderly passengers. Many passengers were forced to deboard the train and wait on the tracks or nearby platforms for assistance.
Response from Railway Authorities
Upon receiving information about the breakdown, railway officials rushed to the spot with technical teams. Efforts were made to restore power, but the problem persisted for nearly three hours. Passengers reported that the train staff provided minimal updates, adding to their frustration.
According to railway sources, the power failure was caused by a technical glitch in the overhead electric wires. A senior railway official stated, "We are investigating the exact cause of the fault. Our team worked tirelessly to restore power and ensure the safety of passengers."
Passenger Ordeal
Passengers expressed anger and distress over the lack of basic amenities during the halt. Many complained about the absence of drinking water and food supplies. A passenger, Rajesh Kumar, said, "We were stuck for hours without any information. The train had no lights or fans, and it was suffocating inside."
Another passenger, Sunita Devi, who was traveling with her two young children, described the experience as traumatic. "My kids were crying due to the heat and darkness. The staff did nothing to help us," she said.
Impact on Train Services
The power failure also affected other trains on the same route, causing a ripple effect of delays. Several express and passenger trains were held up at various stations, leading to a cascading disruption of services. Railway authorities worked to clear the backlog, but normal services were restored only by late night.
Previous Incidents
This is not the first time that passengers have faced such an ordeal on this route. In the past, similar power failures and technical snags have been reported, raising questions about the maintenance of railway infrastructure. Commuters have demanded better oversight and quicker response mechanisms to handle such emergencies.
Official Statements
In an official statement, the Northern Railway zone apologized for the inconvenience caused and assured that steps would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. The statement read, "We deeply regret the discomfort caused to passengers due to the unforeseen power failure. Our teams are working on upgrading the electrical systems to ensure reliability."
Compensation and Grievances
Passengers have demanded compensation for the ordeal, but railway officials have not announced any compensation plan yet. The railway ministry has been urged to look into the matter and address the grievances of affected passengers. Meanwhile, the Railway Passenger Grievance Portal has received several complaints, which will be processed as per norms.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by Indian Railways in maintaining consistent service quality, especially on less frequented routes. As the demand for rail travel grows, ensuring robust infrastructure and efficient crisis management becomes imperative.
