Passengers boarding the Vande Bharat Express at Srinagar Railway Station are experiencing significant inconvenience due to the absence of coach guidance display boards, a problem exacerbated by the recent increase in the train’s capacity. The introduction of a 20-coach rake, replacing the previous 8-coach configuration, has more than doubled the train’s length and passenger volume, leading to confusion and a scramble for designated seats.
A coach guidance display board typically serves as a crucial navigational aid, indicating precisely where each coach will stop along the platform. This allows passengers to position themselves correctly before the train’s arrival, thereby preventing the chaotic rush to locate their assigned seats. Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that officials from the Jammu Rail Division have acknowledged the issue. They have reportedly communicated with their headquarters, requesting the installation of the necessary display system to enhance passenger convenience.
The operational shift from an 8-coach to a 20-coach Vande Bharat train has fundamentally altered the passenger experience. Previously, the shorter train and reduced passenger numbers made it relatively easier for travelers to find their coaches. However, the extended length of the new rake, coupled with a substantial increase in the number of passengers, has created a situation where a coach guidance display system is now deemed essential to avert disorder at the station. Officials noted that the significant increase in train length and passenger count necessitates such a system to avoid chaos.
Numerous passengers, particularly tourists visiting Srinagar during the peak vacation season, have voiced their frustrations. Many have been observed running across Platform No. 3, laden with luggage and accompanied by children and family members, in a desperate search for their correct coaches. One passenger from Delhi, who was returning from Srinagar, recounted a particularly trying experience. He stated that he had secured four confirmed seats in Coach C-2. In the absence of any coach guidance display board, he sought directions from a food and beverage stall vendor. The vendor indicated a spot at one end of the platform, but upon the train’s arrival, the passenger realized his coach was located at the opposite end, forcing him to traverse the entire platform length. He further observed that many other passengers encountered similar difficulties, moving back and forth along the platform in their quest for their designated coaches.
As a temporary measure, station officials have placed small stickers indicating coach numbers at various points along the platform. However, these stickers are often overlooked by passengers or contribute to confusion, especially since two Vande Bharat trains operate from Srinagar, and the coach positions differ between them. This ambiguity further compounds the navigational challenges faced by travelers.
The inconvenience extends to passengers traveling in Executive Class as well. These premium coaches are typically positioned towards the middle of the Vande Bharat train. With passengers struggling to locate their assigned coaches on the platform, many opt to board the nearest available coach and then navigate through the train to reach their designated seats. This practice frequently transforms the Executive Class coaches into a thoroughfare, undermining the comfort and exclusivity expected by passengers paying for a premium travel experience. The constant movement of passengers through these coaches disrupts the intended ambiance and privacy of the premium class.
In 2023, the Ministry of Railways implemented a comprehensive policy titled “Guidelines on Standard Signages at Stations on Indian Railways.” This initiative aimed to standardize signage across the railway network to ensure a seamless travel experience for all passengers. The policy mandates the installation or replacement of uniform and well-designed coach guidance display boards at stations nationwide. The objective is to improve wayfinding and accessibility, particularly benefiting vulnerable passenger groups such as senior citizens and individuals with disabilities (Divyangjan). The current situation at Srinagar Railway Station highlights a gap in the implementation of these guidelines, leading to the reported passenger distress.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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